Black Bears Coming Out of Hibernation: Secure Your Property

As black bears in the area emerge from hibernation, hungry and looking for food, the Ferguson Township Police Department would like to share some measures residents can take to prevent bears trespassing on their property:

• Clean all outdoor garbage cans of debris and also clean with bleach.
• Avoid placing trash outside before collection day.
• Clean all outdoor grilling equipment, dispose of grease properly, and bring in any leftover food once finished.
• Consider bringing bird feeders and suet inside at night.

If you do see a bear on your property, your best option is to leave the bear alone, and clean up the bear's mess after it leaves. Be sure to eliminate or properly store what attracted them in the first place, and also inform your neighbors of the sighting to keep the community informed.

Problem bears should be reported to the PA Game Commission Northcentral Region Office at 833-742-4868 or 833-742-9453.