BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Multiple sightings of a black bear were reported Monday in Bethlehem Township, from the sunflower field near St. Luke’s University Hospital to the residential area near Northampton Community College.
The township advised residents to be safe and leave the bear — or bears — alone. Separate videos posted on Facebook showed one small bear and one large bear.
“We are aware of numerous sightings of a bear in Bethlehem Township,” the township statement said. Police officers were responding to calls and monitoring the situation.
“If you see a bear in your neighborhood, please do not approach and call the police department to report. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor small children and pets. DO NOT OFFER FOOD TO THE BEAR,” the statement said.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission was notified.
“As long as the bear shows no signs of aggression, the Game Commission recommends leaving it alone. It will eventually move out of the area.”
This was a real bear, unlike the “mountain lion” reported Sunday in Lower Macungie Township — which turned out to be a large feral cat.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates that about 18,000 black bears live in Pennsylvania, up from 4,000 in the 1970s. That population growth and spread to more counties in the state means more people may get a chance to see a bear in the wild, but also has resulted in ursine/human problems.
“This increase in bear numbers and range, however, has also brought an increase in conflict with bears,” according to the Game Commission website. “Property damage, the likelihood of serious human injury, personnel resources within the Game Commission who respond to conflicts, and public tolerance for further growth of the bear population all have been impacted by the increase in bears.”