ECPD Response To Local Bear Sightings

Pennsylvania’s bear population has been increasing for decades, and at the same time, many people have moved into the areas where bears reside, but for many in Ellwood City, a bear sighting may be few and far between.  However, recently there have been social media posts and reports of bears roaming the local neighborhoods in the Borough of Ellwood City.

According to the Ellwood City Police Department, officials have spoken with PA Game Commission concerning the bear roaming in the area last week, mostly on the upper 5th Ward.  ECPD and the Game Commission advise the following:

• Bears are more afraid of us, than we are of them.
• Take away any food source, bears are generally lazy and will generally look for a close food supply.
• Don’t bother the bear or confront the bear.
• DO NOT FEED THE BEAR
• Do not corner the bear
• Take down any type of feeder, including bird feeders.
• Generally leave the bear alone
• Bears have maintained residence in the Ellwood City area for years.
• If the bear gets treed vacate the area so it will return to the ground and leave

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for managing, conserving and protecting all wildlife, and is committed to doing everything possible to keep bear conflicts to a minimum. Regulating harvest to stabilize or reduce bear numbers in problem areas and prohibiting the feeding of bears are measures taken to help alleviate conflicts with bears. If you are having a problem with a bear and have no success using these suggestions, or have been threatened by a bear, please contact the Northwest PA Game Commission region office.