2 Black Bears Spotted Near Game Lands In Wexford
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Two black bears paid an unwelcome visit to Wexford this week.
They didn't bother anybody, and pretty much stayed in the woods near the state game lands. The two furry guys stuck around long enough to pose for some pictures and then took off.
KDKA viewer Tom Doesack sent in two photos of the black bears.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission says we didn't see many unwanted visitors this year.
"Last couple years we've had a lot of complaints. Bears getting into garbage cans, bird feeders things like that," said Dan Puhala, of the Game Commission. "Had to dart a few of them."
It's not like last summer when bears were frequenting suburban neighborhoods.
One bear got tranquilized in Aspinwall. Another bear roamed through Cranberry Township, and more bears showed up in Frazer Township.
But this summer, they stayed away.
"Each year, hunters have been taking legally harvested bears. I think that's had a little bit of an impact on the population," said Puhala.
The Wexford bears stayed out of trouble; although, they did wander near a shooting range on the state game lands.
But they stayed away from the homes that sit just down the road.
Soon, they'll be going away for the winter.
KDKA's Paul Martino: "Did you miss chasing them down this summer?"
Puhala: "Not at all."
Most recently, in September, the "bucket bear" was rescued in Clarion County.
The bear was found roaming around the Perry Township area for several weeks with a bucket-like airbag stuck on its head. People looking to help the bear created a "Save The Bucket Bear" Facebook page.
They claim the Game Commission was contacted several times, but told them they couldn't do anything about the bear.
However, some residents took matters into their own hands, pulling the bucket off of the bear's head after about 30 to 40 minutes. The bear then ran back into the forest.
You can find more sightings here.
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