Nearby: Bear Sightings Continue Around Cranberry

The Cranberry bear is continuing his culinary tour of the township—and even getting caffeinated.

Public Safety director Jeff Schueler said the bear was spotted in the parking lot of the Starbucks on Freedom Road Thursday and also outside the Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community off Rochester Road Friday.

“We’re worried he’s Dumpster diving,” he said.

Schueler said the bear likely is the same 200-pound black bear that climbed a tree in the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot along Route 19 in Cranberry Dec. 27.

After spending close to two hours in the tree, his movements monitored by police,

Before crossing the road to get to the fast food restaurant, the bear was careful to look both ways, Schueler said. He was last reported heading towards the woods near Interstate 79.

Schueler said anyone who spots the bear may report it to police.

He also recommended that people do not feed the bear.

“Stay away from it,” he said.

He advised residents to bring any food, including birdseed and pet food, inside during the evening hours because the food is attractive to bears. Residents also should make sure their garbage can lids are secure, he said.

Schueler said officers are tracking the bear’s movements. Typically, police don’t interfere with bears unless they pose a hazard to residents or are causing damage to property.

The public safety director added residents should accept bears make their homes in the area—after all, they were here first.

“We’re got to learn to live with the bears,” he said. “We’ve got to learn to live with Mother Nature.”

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