Bears on the move

Black bears have been roaming into residential areas and other places where they're more likely to be encountered by people.

Bears are increasing their food intake to prepare for the upcoming denning season, which can begin as early as mid-November.

Pennsylvania bears are mostly timid animals that would sooner flee than confront people. Once bears become habituated to an area where they find food, they will return, which is when the bear can become a nuisance.

Since March 2003, it has been illegal to intentionally feed bears in Pennsylvania. Even unintentional feeding of bears that results in nuisance complaints can result in a fine.

Bears are usually most active during evening and morning hours. The same food that is often put for birds is also favored by bears - sunflower seeds, nectar mixes and suet. They also like table scraps, particularly fruit or vegetable wastes. Bears are omnivorous, eating almost anything from berries, corn, acorns, beechnuts, grass, carrion, honey and insects.