While hunters in some portions of the state are participating in the extended bear season, the preliminary total bear harvest for the state's traditional three-day season was 2,423, according to reports filed at Pennsylvania Game Commission bear check stations.

Agency employees processed 2,423 black bears - 161 on the third day - at check stations on Nov. 22, 23 and 24.

In 2003, agency employees processed 2,851 black bears on the first three days, and the final harvest was 3,000 bears.

After three days of hunting, 17-year-old Jeremy B. Kresge of Blakeslee, took an 834-pounder at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County..

Bear harvests in Butler and surrounding counties: Butler 5, Venango, 36; Clarion, 31; Butler, 5; Crawford, 3; Westmoreland, 44; Armstrong, 35