As the black bear hibernation season ends in Bucks County, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is urging residents to brace for potential bear visits, writes Greg Vellner for The Reporter. 

With bears soon to be on the move in search of food and new territories, areas like Upper Makefield, Lower Southampton, and Doylestown could see their fair share of these roving animals, according to Travis Lau, the Commission’s communications director. 

Given the unpredictability of bear movements, Lau advises locals to preemptively remove attractants such as outdoor trash and bird feeders to discourage visits.  

The Commission highlights that bears, particularly yearling males, are known to travel extensive distances — on average, 10 miles from their birthplace — to establish new home ranges, increasing the likelihood of encounters in the coming months. 

To minimize bear-human interactions, the Commission recommends six preventative measures, including securing food sources, removing bird feeders, never leaving pet food outdoors, cleaning and storing grills, and informing neighbors about bear activity. 

These steps aim to deter bears from approaching residential areas, ensuring the safety of both the community and the wildlife. 

Read more about the end of hibernation season for black bears in Bucks County in The Reporter.  

Bucks County bear watch as black bear spotted in Perkasie