EASTON, Pa. — It's the time of year when bears end hibernation in Pennsylvania and begin to scavenge for food.
They just usually don't emerge from their dens in a busy residential historic district.
- A black bear was spotted Thursday on College Hill in Easton
- It's the time of year when bears emerge from hibernation
- Residents are warned to keep trash inside and remove bird and squirrel feeders and other food sources
But Easton officials are warning that a large bear was spotted Thursday on College Hill near Parker Avenue and Shawnee Avenue.
"According to the dispatch center of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, keep trash inside, remove bird and squirrel feeders, and do not throw food outside. Removing the food source should force the bear to leave the area," a Facebook post from the city read.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, black bears in this area will eat a variety of things and their diet typically includes roots, berries, meat, fish, insects, larvae, grass and other plants. They're attracted to garbage, livestock or pet food, or other human-associated foods like fruit trees.
The area where the bear was spotted is not far from the Delaware River, where it may be hunting or looking for fish.
A dispatcher with the Game Commission on Friday morning said no additional calls have been logged regarding bear sightings in the area. For now, they also don't have plans to try and trap it.
If the bear is spotted or becomes aggressive, residents should call 911 and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Southeast Region, at 833-742-4868 or 833-742-9453.
