Black Bear Spotted Exploring Montgomery County

HATFIELD, PA — A black bear was spotted in Hatfield Township Monday evening, promptinga response from local police and state wildlife officials.

The bear was seen by numerous local residents in the area of 2900 Woodview Drive and Line Lexington Road, according to Hatfield Police.

No further sightings were made after the initial flurry of reports.

"Do not approach the bear if you see it," police noted, also urging residents to be mindful of their pets and to keep trash can lids closed.

RELATED: It's Black Bear Season In Pennsylvania: What You Need To Know

The Pennsylvania Game Commission was notified of the sighting and is responding.

Black bears are native inhabitants of Pennsylvania and sightings occur yearly, although they largely avoid the more densely populated suburban parts of southeastern Pennsylvania. Increased sightings can be signs of many things, wildlife experts say, including a loss of habitat pushing bears out of their homes, and an increase in new developments of previously forested areas creating more opportunities for humans and bears to interact. Bears can also become accustomed to feeding off of trash in certain areas if they know they've found a reliable source of food.

Bears do not want to eat humans; in fact, they eat a largely vegetarian diet. Nonetheless, their strength should be respected and a dose of fear is healthy. The National Park Service offers the following tips for what to do if you see a black bear:

• Remain watchful.
• Do not approach the bear.
• Do not allow the bear to approach you.
• If your presence causes the bear to change their behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
• Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.

If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting, officials recommend that you:

• Change your direction.
• If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground.
• If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Raise your arms to make yourself appear larger.
• Act aggressively to intimidate the bear.