Pennsylvania is home to vast forests and diverse wildlife, making it a prime habitat for black bears. As human development expands and outdoor recreation increases, encounters between humans and bears have become more frequent. However, if you are wondering about the likelihood of a dangerous confrontation, the statistics offer a reassuring perspective.
The Statistics on Bear Attacks
Experts say bear sightings aren't rare in Pennsylvania, but bear attacks certainly are. Despite a booming bear population, aggressive encounters remain extremely uncommon:
- The Pennsylvania Game Commission only sees one or two bear attacks every year.
- There are no known records of a free-ranging Pennsylvania black bear killing a human.
- The State black bear population has rebounded dramatically from the brink of extinction in the 1980s. Current estimates place the number of bears between 15,000 and 18,000 statewide.
- According to Game Commission experts, Pennsylvania's black bears are not excessively aggressive. They are generally considered rather non-confrontational.
Why Do Bears Attack?
While black bears are typically docile, incidents do happen under specific circumstances. When a bear does become aggressive, it is usually driven by one of the following factors:
- Being Cornered: Bear attacks are often the product of a bear that is cornered. This typically happens when the animal has no easy escape route.
- Protecting Cubs: Female bears are fiercely protective. A mother bear can falsely interpret certain actions, such as a human attempting to climb a tree, as an attempt to get at her cubs.
- Illness: In rare cases, abnormal behavior is explained by disease. For example, a bear that attacked a man in Carbon County later tested positive for rabies.
- Food Conditioning: Bears are naturally drawn to food. A bear looking for an easy meal might venture into residential areas. Things like bird feeders, trash, or the scent of a grill often draw them.
Tips for Coexisting and Avoiding Encounters
The Pennsylvania Game Commission provides several recommendations to reduce the chances of a close encounter and to keep both humans and wildlife safe:
- Do Not Feed Wildlife: Food placed outside for animals like squirrels or deer can become "bear magnets". This includes common outdoor items like bird feeders.
- Eliminate Temptation: Keep your garbage inside until pick-up day. Also avoid throwing table scraps outside.
- Keep Your Distance: If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. From a safe distance, you should shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog.
- Stay Calm and Back Away: If you surprise a bear, slowly back away while quietly talking to it. Face the bear, but avoid direct eye contact.
- Never Run: You cannot outrun a bear. Rapid movement may be perceived as a threat by a bear that is already feeling threatened.
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