Earlier this week, residents of a suburban Pennsylvania neighborhood were taken by surprise when a wild black bear wandered into their midst. On Tuesday, June 4, the bear’s unexpected appearance in Camp Hill prompted a swift and careful response from local authorities and wildlife experts.
As the bear roamed through the residential area around lunchtime, authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of the community. Nearby high school students were advised to remain indoors, and a roadway was temporarily closed to prevent any potential encounters with the bear.
A team of wildlife experts, along with public safety officials and rescue personnel, collaborated to safely approach the bear. Employing tranquilizers, they managed to subdue the animal, causing it to descend from a tree onto a large blue tarp prepared for its safe landing.
Once sedated, the bear was carefully transferred to a bear trap mounted on a trailer, ready for relocation. Plans were made to release the bear into state land, away from residential areas, ensuring both the safety of the bear and the community.
Pennsylvania is home to a sizable population of black bears, estimated at around 20,000 by the state’s Game Commission. Recent weeks have witnessed an increase in bear sightings in the area, highlighting the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The National Wildlife Federation reminds us that black bears are naturally attracted to human garbage, livestock food, pet food, and fruit trees. Proper waste management and food storage are essential to minimizing human-bear interactions and ensuring the well-being of both species.