Black bears are present in the Poconos region. While bears are an established part of the local ecosystem, direct encounters are generally uncommon. With appropriate awareness and adherence to safety guidelines, residents and visitors can comfortably coexist with the wildlife. Understanding bear behavior is key to managing potential interactions.
Black Bears in the Poconos
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species found in Pennsylvania, and the Pocono Mountains represent a significant portion of their range. These animals thrive in the region’s diverse landscape, which includes dense forests, expansive wetlands, and mountainous terrain. This varied environment provides ample food sources and cover, supporting a robust bear population.
The black bear population in Pennsylvania has seen a remarkable recovery over the past few decades. In the 1970s, there were fewer than 5,000 black bears across the state, but current estimates place the population at around 18,000 to 19,000 individuals. This resurgence indicates a healthy ecosystem in Pennsylvania, including the Poconos.
Understanding Bear Actions
Black bears typically prefer to avoid human contact and are generally shy. However, their strong motivation to find food often leads them into areas populated by humans. Bears possess an incredibly keen sense of smell, estimated to be 2,100 times better than a human’s, allowing them to detect food sources from several miles away. This acute sense draws them towards easy meals found in residential or recreational settings.
Common attractants include unsecured garbage, outdoor pet food, bird feeders, and residue on outdoor grills. While black bears are not inherently aggressive, they can become less wary of people if they consistently find food rewards. Interactions typically become problematic when bears are startled or feel threatened, often in defense of food or cubs.
Ensuring Your Safety Around Bears
To minimize human-bear conflicts, residents and visitors should prevent attracting bears.
Effective deterrents include:
Securing trash in bear-resistant containers or storing it indoors until collection.
Cleaning outdoor grills thoroughly after each use.
Storing pet food indoors.
Removing bird feeders, especially during spring and summer.
Campers and hikers should store food in sealed containers and never leave it unattended.
If a bear encounter occurs, remaining calm is paramount. Never run; this can trigger a chase response. Instead, make your presence known by talking in a firm voice, waving your arms, and making yourself appear as large as possible. Slowly back away, allowing the bear an escape route.
Black bear attacks are very rare and typically occur only when the bear feels cornered or is defending cubs or a food source. In the rare event of a black bear attack, fight back vigorously, targeting the bear’s face and muzzle, and do not play dead.