Bear Sighting Reported In Newtown Township: Police

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — A juvenile black bear has been sighted in Newtown Township just off of Washington Crossing Road (Route 532). It is the latest sighting, which up until now has been confined to Upper Makefield Township.

According to the Newtown Township Police Department, any bear complaints should be directed to the Pennsylvania Game Commission by calling 833-742-4868 or 833-742-9453.

Here are several suggestions on how to protect yourself and the local wildlife.

• Bears are attracted to “easy-to-obtain” foods; garbage, human food, pet food, bird feed, fruits from trees/gardens, and livestock feed.

• Bears tend to return to areas where they are successful in finding food.

• If you have pets, keep them secured while they’re outside, and look around your yard before letting them outside, especially at night.

• If you find a bear on your property, the best course of action is to leave it alone and report it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

• Attempt to find the source that attracted the bear, and remove it to avoid further occurrences.

• If you happen to come face-to-face with a bear, stay calm and do not make any sudden movements.

• Alert the bear of your presence by making noise before it gets too close and is surprised.

• Slowly back away to give the bear more room to flee.