Game Officials Searching For Errant Bear In Delco

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Officials in Delaware County have been on the search for a bear seen in the county after what is believed to be the same bear showed up in Villanova last week.

Delaware County Emergency Services said the bear has been seen in Marple, Haverford, Aldan, Collingdale, and Springfield

as of Sunday, Dec. 1 after the initial sighting on the 700 block of Harrison Road in Villanova Friday, Nov. 29.

Marple Township Police shared video of the bear approaching a home on Cove Road the night of Nov. 29.

Police also shared a video of the bear on Strathaven Drive in Marple.

Haverford Police said the bear was seen at 2 a.m. Sunday on the unit block of Sycamore Road.

In Springfield, police said the bear was seen early Monday morning on Kennerly Road.

"While this is certainly unique for many areas of Delaware County, please respect that the bear is a wild animal and should not be approached," Delaware County Emergency Services said.

Anyone who see the bear should call 911 immediately.

What To Do If You Meet A Bear
Bear attacks are extremely rare, especially considering how often people encounter them. In most cases, a bear will detect you first and leave the area long before you'll ever see it. However, if you do meet a bear before it's had time to leave, here are some suggestions. Every bear encounter is different.

• Alert the bear — If you see a bear, make some noise to alert the bear of your presence, giving it ample time and space to turn and leave. Avoid being caught up in the excitement of seeing a bear and inadvertently letting the bear get too close before surprising it.
• Get back — If you have a close encounter, back away slowly while facing the bear so you always know where the bear is and how it's reacting. Wild bears rarely attack people. Slowly backing away diffuses the situation and gives the bear room to flee.
• Stay calm — encountering a bear can be startling, but try to remain calm. While moving away, avoid sudden movements and talk to help the bear keep track of your retreat. Don't turn and run or attempt to climb a tree. Running may prompt the bear to give chase, and climbing a tree could be interpreted as a threat to any cubs that are present since cubs often climb trees when startled. Move toward your camper, house or vehicle if nearby.
• Pay attention — Bears will use all of their senses to figure out what you are. If they recognize you as a person, some may stand upright or move closer in their efforts to detect odors in the air currents. Don't consider this a sign of aggression. Once a bear identifies you, it will usually leave. If it begins to slowly approach you, face the bear, wave your arms wildly and shout while continuing to back away. The idea is to intimidate the bear into retreating. Swing a stick, your backpack or whatever is handy if the bear gets close.
• If suddenly surprised, some bears may feel threatened and give warning signs that they are uncomfortable. They may clack their jaws together or sway their head; those are signs for you to leave. Some bears have been known to charge to within a few feet when threatened. If this occurs, wave your arms wildly and shout at the bear.
• Fight back — Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear attacks, fight back. Bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands.