Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes, from dense forests to mountainous regions, provide a suitable habitat for mammals. Bears are a part of the state’s natural heritage, roaming across much of its forested areas. While widespread, bears are most abundant in the north-central and northeastern parts of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s Only Bear Species
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the sole bear species found in Pennsylvania. Despite their name, not all American Black Bears are black; some individuals in Pennsylvania can exhibit a cinnamon coloration. Their fur is thick and soft, and they often have a tan muzzle. A distinguishing feature is a white mark, sometimes V-shaped, that can appear on their chest.
Adults measure between 50 to 85 inches in length, including a short tail of 3 to 5 inches, and stand approximately 30 inches at the shoulder. Their weight can vary, ranging from 140 to 400 pounds. Males, referred to as boars, are larger and heavier than females, known as sows.
Life and Habits of Pennsylvania Black Bears
American Black Bears in Pennsylvania are omnivorous, with a diet of both plant and animal matter, varying with the seasons. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide range of foods including fruits, berries, nuts such as acorns, hickory nuts, and beechnuts, as well as grasses, insects, and plant roots. Their diet can also include small mammals, carrion, and sometimes even newborn white-tailed deer fawns. Bears increase their food intake in the autumn to accumulate fat reserves for their winter dormancy.
Black bears enter their dens for winter dormancy in late fall. Pregnant females are the first to den, with males following several weeks later. Their dens can be varied, including hollow trees, rock crevices, excavations similar to groundhog holes, or even simple ground nests beneath fallen trees. While dormant, bears do not urinate or defecate, and their hibernation is more akin to a prolonged rest than a deep sleep, allowing them to remain alert.
Bears are most active during dusk and dawn, though they can become nocturnal in areas with human activity to avoid disturbance. They prefer forested areas, including mixed hardwood forests, and can be found in bogs, swamps, and mountainous terrain throughout Pennsylvania. Adult male bears have a home range of about 20 square miles, while females range from 6 to 8 square miles.
Living Alongside Bears in PA
The increasing bear population in Pennsylvania, coupled with expanding human settlements, has led to more frequent encounters between people and bears. Bears may be sighted in residential areas as they search for food. They are drawn to easily accessible food sources such as bird feeders, garbage cans, pet food, and backyard grills.
To minimize conflicts, secure potential food attractants. This involves storing garbage in secure containers, cleaning outdoor grills, and bringing pet food indoors. Avoiding intentional feeding of bears is also prohibited, as it can cause them to lose their natural warriness of humans, increasing the risk of property damage or human-bear encounters.
If a bear is encountered, remain calm, avoid direct eye contact, and slowly back away to give the bear space. Making noise and making oneself appear larger can help deter a bear if it approaches. Running away should be avoided, as it may trigger a chase response.