HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania hunters have harvested 1,628 bears through the first three days of bear season, a 30 percent decrease from the 2,308 harvested after three days last year.

Extensive rain on opening day (Nov. 18) is blamed for the decline.

There have been nine bears harvested in Butler County thus far. Last year’s statewide harvest was 3,529, fifth-largest in state history. The largest total is 4,350 in 2011.