Eagle File Photo

Bears will be on the hunt for food throughout early summer, and their mating season is in mid- to late-summer, so people may see them more often in the coming months, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Dan Schmidt, information and education supervisor for the game commission’s northwest region, said Monday, May 20, that land owners in the area should keep any outdoor food sources secure, especially if they spot a bear in person or on camera.

“It's limited, the berries haven't come out yet, so the bears are reliant on grasses, skunk cabbage,” Schmidt said. “The bird feed, maybe get rid of it if you're seeing bears in your backyard. Keep your garbage put away; keep your grills clean. If they find it, they might come back for it.”

Although people may see bears more frequently in the summer months, Schmidt said they typically want to be left alone. He emphasized that bear-on-human attacks are “not common at all,” and as long as people exercise caution in their midst, bears will likely not bother them.

“Just like any wildlife, people should take their distance,” Schmidt said. “They don't want anything to do with you. They want our garbage, our food, but they really don't want to bother you.”

According to Schmidt, the end of June and early July is breeding season for bears, so people may see more bear activity throughout the warm months.

“The males will put on a lot of miles looking for females,” Schmidt said. “There is usually a lot more sightings that time of year also.”

Schmidt said people who see bears regularly, especially in urban or suburban areas, can call the game commission to report sightings if they are concerned. Sightings reported in rural areas, Schmidt said, may be addressed differently than in suburban areas. However, the game commission may visit a locale where several bear sightings have been reported, depending on the circumstances.

“They are welcome to call, but we'll put it on a priority list, and we'll be the judge whether we come and look at it,” Schmidt said.