HARRISBURG — A thriving black bear population with world-class trophy bears awaits hunters preparing to head afield for the state's upcoming hunting seasons, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Pennsylvania's principal bear season is a three-day sprint Nov. 19 to 21, and it draws about 100,000 hunters annually.

The state also holds a bear archery season Nov. 14 and 15 and an extended bear season from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1 in selected Wildlife Management Units.

"Over the past two years, more than 7,200 black bears have been taken by hunters in Pennsylvania," said Game Commission executive director Carl Roe. "It's a remarkable two-year run by hunters that speaks volumes about the enormity and stability of our bear resource."

For information, visit www.pgc.state.pa.us