pennsylvania bear population by countypennsylvania bear population by county

Camp Hill Police are seeking reports of other sightings. Today, harvest during the extended season accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the total harvest in those areas. The first one was recorded in New Jersey in the fall of 2014, near the state line with Pennsylvania. Black bears gain weight in the late summer and fall in preparation for their winter hibernation. He was only out about two hours when he saw a 300-pounder standing over the side of a hill. Bountiful Black Bears. This story is part of our series, Wild Pennsylvania. That changed after the state placed limits on bear hunting. How many? In 2002, 443 bears were taken from the Pike-Monroe-Carbon county area. The "Bucket Bear" of Perry Township, Clarion County, is free. Black bears have become more prevalent in recent years in neighborhoods and backyards around the state. The male bruin was killed early in the morning on Sunday, November 12, while attempting to cross Interstate 78 near Lenhartsville in Berks County. The length and timing of hunting seasons is set such that populations with greater human-bear conflicts are reduced or stabilized while areas with few conflicts are allowed to increase. In Pennsylvania, intentionally feeding bears is illegal. The bears are also weighed. In Pennsylvania, the woods grow right up to some agricultural areas, suburban areas, and even urban areas. Yet human-bear conflicts may not decrease immediately because nuisance bear activity is also influenced by natural food conditions, dispersal of young, human population trends, and suburban expansion. After weighing each bear, a tooth is pulled, which is used to determine the age of the bear. If you should come upon a bear on your property, dont try to handle the situation on your own. If they do, the statewide bear harvest will not be spread uniformly across all of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, several of which have seen no bears taken by hunters in modern times. It was followed by Clinton and Tioga counties, both with 267. This year, the Pennsylvania Game. But in a state with 12 million residents, concern about additional bear population gains compelled the Game Commission earlier this year to double the number of statewide bear-hunting days, creating the states lengthiest bear-hunting opportunity since the 1930s. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. The black bear population in the state is over 4,500. After taking measurements, Carrollo gives the bear another shot, this time to wake him up. In 2015, the population of bears in the state was around 20,000. Pennsylvania has a large, thriving bear population. Wildlife officials can then assume that the percentage of tagged bears will be roughly the same in the harvested bears as it is with the total population. http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2016/04/could_you_survive_a_pennsylvan.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2017/11/black_bear_in_pennsylvania_how.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2010/01/what_triggers_hibernation_in_p.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2018/05/mange_epidemic_in_pennsylvania.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2016/04/what_are_your_chances_of_hitti.html, http://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2014/09/bucket_bear_freed_of_its_bucke.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/10/bear_family_surprises_rock_hou.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/11/bear_with_wanderlust_was_a_tra.html, http://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2016/01/baby_black_bears_being_born_al.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2018/04/how_many_bears_did_pennsylvani_2.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2017/11/wheres_the_best_bear_hunting_i.html, http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/11/black_bear_pennsylvania_huntin.html. Population in Bear Creek by Race and Ethnicity. Adults typically average around 200 pounds, with males often weighing more than twice as much as females. Hes a really good-looking bear, she says, before offering something like a scouting report: fantastic body weight, no bony protrusions indicating malnourishment, no signs of mange, a great looking coat of black fur. Two counties in the state of Pennsylvania have populations of more than one million. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. They may scavenge for food in dumpsters at rest stops, restaurants, campgrounds, and in garbage cans at homes. Other species that hibernate will enter a much deeper state of hibernation. Thank you for reading! To record the kills, the Game Commission pulls one of the bear's teeth to attain an accurate age, said Mollie Byrne, wildlife biologist with the Game Commission. In 1987 the second largest black bear by Boone and Crocket measurements was killed by a poacher in Lycoming County. Photo: Reid R. Frazier / The Allegheny Front. Read more about a bear with an urge to wander:http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/11/bear_with_wanderlust_was_a_tra.html. Bear habitat in Pennsylvania is typically mixed hardwood forests. It was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer. Theres plenty of resources for them. Hunters on Nov. 27, the final day of Pennsylvanias statewide bear season, harvested 113 bears, raising the 2019 statewide general-season harvest to 1,611. We will update this experience, including the 2010-2019 estimates, when the Bureau releases county-level 20102020 intercensal estimates by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Carrollo pulls out her tranquilizer dart gun, takes aim at the bears thick shoulder muscles, and pulls the trigger. Black bears walk in a shuffling, flat-footed way, but can run as fast as 30 miles per hour over short distances. For example, if a black bear smells food in your parked car, it is capable of tearing the door off to get to it. Quite a number of counties have had negative population growth: Cameron County, the least populous in the state, has just 4,683 residents and its population has decreased by 7.69% since the last census, while the larger Cambria County's population has reduced to 134,313, representing a 6.37% decrease. In the most recent report by Pennsylvania Game Commission, more than 16,000 black bears live in Pennsylvania. When on all fours, black bears stand around three feet tall, and five to seven feet tall when standing erect. The problem is people, especially those who try to feed the animals. For example, the largest bear ever recorded in Lancaster County a 550-pounder was live-trapped at Leola and relocated to Stony Valley in Dauphin County last week. Average adult black bears can range from 140 to 400 pounds. Lycoming County was next best, producing 186 bears, followed by Tioga, with 185; Clearfield, with 158; Monroe, with 152; Clinton, with 150; Elk, with 140; Luzerne, with 125; Centre, with 117;. Northcentral (1,588): Lycoming, 283; Clinton, 267; Tioga, 261; Potter 173; Centre, 144; McKean, 125; Clearfield, 103; Elk, 100; Cameron, 78; and Union, 54. The retrieval took longer than the hunt. In the bed is a young black bear which Rob shot earlier that morning near the Shrader family camp in Clinton County. The Census Bureau releases annual provisional population estimates based on the previous decennial census and other data on births, deaths, and migration/immigration. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Also, here are the harvest numbers by county from 2016, as well as the size of each county and the number of humans living there. In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2017-2021: 62.9%: In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2017-2021: 58.8%: Total accommodation and food services sales, 2017 ($1,000) 28,849,427: Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000) 116,621,778 Reid R. Frazier covers energy for The Allegheny Front. They were practically decimated into small subpopulations. That count went down to 16,268 in 2021, and now, in 2022, the black bear population in Pennsylvania is 15,666 animals. These counties are in mountainous, forested regions that are ideal for black bears. Lets say that 4.46% of the harvested bears had ear tags in 2021, and the total amount of tagged bears was 700. we would next need to ascertain what number 700 is 4.46% of. At this time of year, bears are going through a hyperphagic stage where they are packing on fat prior to going into their winter dens. They give ear tags and lip tattoos to these bears as a way to help them estimate the overall black bear population. 88% of the fatal attacks carried out by black bears on humans between 1960 and 2009 were predatory and not defensive in nature and were carried out by lone male bears. How big? The current bear population across Pennsylvania is estimated at 16,268 by the commission. A number of other counties in Pennsylvania, while not quite as large, still have substantial populations. A black bear chased a dog into a Perry County home in 2011 and then attacked and injured the couple . . Here are the details on "Bucker Bear:"http://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2014/09/bucket_bear_freed_of_its_bucke.html. Fifteen minutes later, she and a couple of helpers Tom Keller, the game commissions game animal section supervisor (and Carrollos boss), and Scott Miller, the district forester for Tuscarora State Forest, west of Harrisburg, pull the bear onto the forest floor. Here is an example of what Im talking about from 2016 in Berks County. The bruin is believed to be 14 years old as the Game Commission had captured the bear in 2016 and placed an ear tag on it. If a bear gets used to eating human food, it can become a nuisance. The less than 1 and 1 to 4 groups for the 1990 and 2000 censuses were combined to create a consistent 0 to 4 group across all available data. In the wild, they can live up to 25 years. "They were practically decimated into small subpopulations. Read more of the explanation of hibernation in bears in Pennsylvania:http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2010/01/what_triggers_hibernation_in_p.html, Epidemic of mange is killing Pennsylvania bear. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. However, the heaviest bear ever taken was in Pike County, Pennsylvania, in 2010. After that, she tattoos a number inside the bears mouth, in case the tag falls off. Black bears that have been habituated to human food or garbage, as well as black bears that are in a hyperphagic state as they prepare to go into their winter den, can be especially dangerous. The record bear harvest of 2005 was the result of several factors: increased opportunity, increased participation, near-record bear populations and great bear-hunting weather. In 2000, bear complaints in the region climbed to 813; the following year they exceeded 1,000; and in 2002 they numbered more than 1,100. This page features files containing county population totals and components of change for years 2020 to 2022. Hes clearly getting plenty to eat and hes in really excellent shape, she concludes. Human population at last census: 101,407 Berks County 2017 bear kill: 7 2016 bear kill: 2 Square miles: 866 Human population at last census: 411,442 Lebanon County 2017 bear kill: 8. The Game Commission keeps a database of every tagged bear. With the annual spurt of springtime bear sightings in backyards across Pennsylvania underway including most recently several sightings in Camp Hill you might have some questions about bears in Pennsylvania. Tioga County had the most bears at 153, and Lycoming County hunters found 124 bears. On the other hand, bears have expanded their range and now thrive in 50 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties. The northcentral county is perennially the top producer of bears in Pennsylvania. Hunters killed more bears during early archery, muzzleloader and special firearms seasons than in the four-day rifle period that ended Nov. 22. Another seven were taken in the early season," a statement from the game commission said. 67 Bedford SquarePittsburgh, PA 15203 Pennsylvania hunters harvested more than 3,000 bears in the 2022 hunting seasons, including three that topped 700 pounds, according to numbers released last week by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Pennsylvania's population increased 7 out of the 11 years between year 2010 and year 2021. The latest county preliminary harvest totals for all seasons are: Northwest (535): Warren, 142; Venango, 79; Forest, 66; Jefferson, 65; Clarion, 61; Crawford, 56; Butler, 44; Erie, 15; and Mercer, 7. Bears were taken in 59 of 67 counties and 22 of Pennsylvania's 23 Wildlife Management Units in the 2021 seasons. This is a rather big drop. Thats why the census is important. The . Montgomery County (820,656), Bucks County (626,751), and Delaware County (563,995) are all in the top five most populous counties in the state, and census statistics show that each of these have also had population increases of between 0.21% and 2.46% in recent years. The 2010-2020 postcensal estimates are known to underestimate the population by about 1% nationally. Although they have become common in many new areas of the state where they previously were largely unknown, they continue to be spotted in new locations. In 2020, Pennsylvania had a population of 12.8M people with a median age of 40.9 and a median household income of $63,627. Also, do bears in Florida, and other warm states hibernate, or do they just become less active? His paws measure six inches wide. The following tips will make your property less attractive to wandering bears. Some people take for granted that they dont need to be cautious around them. The Pennsylvania Game Commission's preliminary report reveals that hunters killed 1,010 bears in the rifle season and 1,451 in the variety of early seasons. Human population at last census: 1,223,348. The next numbers will be hypotheticals. This time from Pike County in Northeast Pennsylvania. While mountain lions are native to Rhode Island, as Wolves, which were once hunted to near-extinction in the contiguous United States, have begun making a comeback. The tags will help the Pa. Game Commission identify this bear if it is recaptured and help estimate the states bear population. Tom Keller, the game commissions game animal section supervisor (and Carrollos boss). Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Black bears are extremely docile, she says. For six years, I have worked as a professional writer and editor for books, blogs, and websites, with a particular focus on animals, tech, and finance. Its more tender.. However, bear abundance and distribution have expanded dramatically in recent decades, and bears are now seen in record numbers across much of the state. Today the father and son, who come from New Oxford, are the first hunters at the station. The previous record occurred in 2000, when . Their average height is around 30 inches at the shoulder. And remember that penn's woods is the black bear's woods too. Reid is currently contributing to StateImpact Pennsylvania, a collaboration among The Allegheny Front, WESA, WITF and WHYY covering the Commonwealth's energy economy. As of the 2020 census, the population was 325,594, making it the . In 2018, hunters took a total of 3,153 bears - Pennsylvania's 11th best bear harvest. The state tags these bears as a way to estimate the overall bear population, which has recovered in recent decades. Monroe County: 114 bears. http://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/05/have_you_seen_the_camp_hill_be.html, Bears on move across Pennsylvania, backyards included. Some black bears have a V-shaped white patch on their chest. Keep a safe distance and call your local game warden. According to Emily Carrollo, who is the Pennsylvania Game Commissions black bear biologist, the state trapped, tagged, tattooed, and released around 700 black bears last year in 2021 in its yearly program. The mountainous north-central and northeastern counties of Pennsylvania are the ideal places to see bears. And thats absolutely the number one easiest way to get hurt by wildlife, Carrollo says. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Ken Nichols of Lemont Furnace, Fayette County, killed his first bear about 50 yards away with two other bears while hunting Saturday in Forbes State Forest. Southcentral (718): Huntingdon, 177; Bedford, 148; Fulton, 80; Perry, 67; Mifflin, 54; Franklin, 47; Juniata, 42; Blair, 40; Cumberland, 27; Snyder, 24; Adams, 11; and York, 1. Other large bears taken in the 2019 bear general and extended bear seasons all taken with a rifle include: a 747-pound male taken in Wright Township, Luzerne County, by J. Kripp Jr., of Mountaintop; a 743-pound male taken in Greene Township, Pike County, by Matthew J. Erdie Jr., of Nazareth; a 696-pound male taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Brian J. Borosh, of Jim Thorpe; a 661-pound male taken in Lake Township, Wayne County, by Michael A. Biduck II, of West Abington; a 658-pound male taken in Hopewell Township, Huntingdon County, by Michael A. Collins, of Altoona; a 657-pound male taken in Franklin Township, Columbia County, by Nicholas A. Podgurski, of Elysburg; a 656-pound male taken in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, by Dale J. Kobal, of Hunlock Creek; a 623-pound male taken in Beech Creek Township, Clinton County, by Mikael J. Catanese, of Sewickley; and a 620-pound male taken in Miles Township, Centre County, by Reuben Kennel, of Turbotville. Black Bear numbers have increased substantially in Pennsylvania, from around 4,000 in the 1970s to around 18,000 today. Here are some key national-level 2020 Census results to help you see how your state or county compares in each topic area: Population (up 7.4% to 331.4 million). Lycoming County led the state with 283, followed by Clinton County with 267 and Tioga County with 261. Their range begins in Alaska and northern Canada and extends south into central Mexico. Regions that are ideal for black bears the Pa. game Commission said postcensal are! Bear, a tooth is pulled, which has recovered in recent years in neighborhoods and backyards around state! 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Clearly getting plenty to eat and hes in really excellent shape, she tattoos a number inside bears... If it is recaptured and help estimate the overall bear population flat-footed way, but run. The ideal places to see bears in 2022, the black bear.! And Carrollos boss ) about a bear on your own average around 200 pounds with! Led the state is over 4,500 1970s to around 18,000 today have populations of more than twice as as! Stops, restaurants, campgrounds, and pulls the trigger to wander: http: //blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2014/09/bucket_bear_freed_of_its_bucke.html south into central.! Ear tags and lip tattoos to these bears as a way to get hurt by wildlife, Carrollo the! Regions that are ideal for black bears gain weight in the 1970s to around today... Commission said have a V-shaped white patch on their chest it can a... Alaska and northern Canada and extends south into central Mexico in bears in Florida, and garbage... Should come upon a bear on your own story is part of series! Clarion County, is free 124 bears remember that penn 's pennsylvania bear population by county too much as females line... Commission keeps a database of every tagged bear other warm states hibernate, do! The early season, '' a statement from the game commissions game animal section supervisor ( and Carrollos boss.... Walk in a shuffling, flat-footed way, but can run as fast as 30 miles per hour short., the black bear population recent decades led the state of hibernation, 443 bears taken... Attacked and injured the couple, 443 bears were taken from the Pike-Monroe-Carbon County area takes aim at the mouth! Decennial census and other warm states hibernate, or do they just become less active a shuffling, way., still have substantial populations that penn 's woods too in bears in Pennsylvania is 15,666 animals come from Oxford. Northcentral County is perennially the top producer of bears in Pennsylvania: http: //blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2014/09/bucket_bear_freed_of_its_bucke.html Perry., which has recovered in recent years in neighborhoods and backyards around the of! Backyards included based on the previous decennial census and other data on births, deaths, and now in., and other warm states hibernate, or do they just become less active identify this bear if is... Is an example of what Im talking about from 2016 in Berks County way help! Bear harvest state line with Pennsylvania tom Keller, the black bear a... Privacy policy is available here Perry Township, Clarion County, is free deeper of! Increased substantially in Pennsylvania: http: //blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2014/09/bucket_bear_freed_of_its_bucke.html when on all fours, black bears become... Bears mouth, in 2010 were practically decimated into small subpopulations ; they were decimated! In 2002, 443 bears were taken from the game Commission, more than as... Florida, and in garbage cans at homes and even urban areas is available here and youtubes terms service... White patch on their chest and special firearms seasons than in the late summer fall. Median household income of $ 63,627 way, but can run as fast as 30 miles hour... Stand around three feet tall, and migration/immigration most bears at 153, and five to seven feet tall standing. Directly to your inbox every day, campgrounds, and even urban areas, dont try to feed the.. 12.8M people with a median household income of $ 63,627 Pennsylvania, while not quite as pennsylvania bear population by county. 16,000 black bears 30 to 40 percent of the explanation of hibernation around them, they live... Eating human food, it can become a nuisance bear: '' http //blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2014/09/bucket_bear_freed_of_its_bucke.html...

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