Residents Report Black Bear Sighting Near Perkiomen Trail

UPPER PROVIDENCE, PA — Residents have reported seeing a black bear in the area recently near the Perkiomen Trail.

The bear was reportedly spotted last week on the section of the trail adjacent to the Pfizer property.

Police shared a post regarding the black bear sighting, although they qualified it by calling it "unsubstantiated."

"Although unsubstantiated, we wanted everyone who uses the Perkiomen Trail for recreational purposes or otherwise to be mindful of this report," police said in a statement.

Black bears are native to Pennsylvania and although less common in the densely developed Philadelphia suburban area, there have been numerous reports of sightings in recent years.

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 its 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:
  • Change your direction.
  • If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground.
  • If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it.
  • Act aggressively to intimidate the bear.

The image above is a stock photo of a black bear and not the black bear possible spotted in Upper Providence. Image via AP Photo/Toby Talbot