June 2021: A male black bear spotted on Heberton Street in Highland Park. Photo Credit: Jamie DeHart
Why Are Bears In Pittsburgh?
Black bears are native to Pennsylvania. By the early 1900s, bears were rare in the Commonwealth and extirpated in Pittsburgh. However, the population of black bears in the state has been growing for decades and now stands at around 16,000 individuals. As there are healthy bear populations in the counties that surround Allegheny, it makes sense that bears would come to Pittsburgh looking for food and new territory. The majority of bears that have been spotted in Pittsburgh have been males. These males are probably in search of a territory to call their own. However, with bear populations on the rise, even females might be on the move looking for new homes. Bears will come into human populations to forage for food and eat garbage.
July 2012: A bear that entered Sears at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall. Photo Credit: Trib Live Media
Where Do Bears Live In Our Area?
It is hard to say if any bears actually live in our area or if they are just passing through. No cubs, which would indicate resident bears, have been documented in Pittsburgh as of yet. As bears are spotted consistently every year, it is only a matter of time before cubs are spotted.
A game warden with a black bear cub. Photo Credit: Steve Farrand
What Happens When A Bear Is Spotted Around Town?
Animal control will keep an eye on it. Often times, the bear is tranquilized or captured in a bear trap. Then, the bear is moved away from town.
November 2021: A bear trap that was used to catch a 260-lbs bear that was found in Downtown. Photo Credit: Mary Ann Thomas
Potential For Conflict
People are not usually on the menu for black bears. There are no recorded fatalities from black bears in Pennsylvania. In fact, black bears are omnivorous and only rarely hunt game. However, bears are large animals (typically weighing 140-400 lbs, but can get as big as 800 lbs) and can do a lot of damage in a very short amount of time. Bears should always be considered to be dangerous. Pets needed to be watched in areas that are suspected to have bears.
Black bear to human size comparison. Image Credit: Lynn Smith
What You Can Do To Keep Safe?
Give bears plenty of space. If you see a mother with cubs, get as far away from them as you can. As far keeping bears away from your residence or business, make sure that garbage is in secure bins and that no bird seed and pet food are left outside.
A black bear raiding a garbage can. Photo Credit: Rachid via The City Of Asheville