Pennsylvania

Black Bears Spotted in 3 Suburban Counties

Three suburban communities around Philadelphia have had bear sightings in recent days

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Police in both Bucks County and Chester County warned residents over the weekend of bear sightings in their communities. Then a South Jersey police department asked its residents to avoid a black bear there.

Police issued a shelter in place for residents in Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, after a black bear was spotted on Sunday. 

The bear was seen in the town’s Yardley Hunt Development and the Game Commission was called to the scene. 

Anyone who spots the animal should not approach it and call 911 immediately, Lower Makefield police said.

Police in West Goshen, Chester County, said a black bear has been spotted in the community in recent days. The bear was last seen walking along North Five Point s Road.

Across the river in New Jersey, bear spottings were reported in West Deptford Township, Gloucester County, on Monday. The bear was spotted by a creek off South Passaic Avenue, near West Deptford High School and at the Red Bank Estates at Lancing Road, West Deptford police said.

Police released a photo of the bear to urge people to stay home and avoid the wild animal.

People are urged not to approach the bears. The National Park Service has tips on what to do if you encounter a bear.

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