patching...
Update: Spread the word about Pine-Richland Patch in the community! Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PineRichlandPatch »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Bear Sightings Continue Around Cranberry

After being spotted at several more dining establishments, the bear appears to have developed a “taste” for the township.

 

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, the bear eventually got down and ambled across Route 19, disappearing behind the Burger King.

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 toward 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 that 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.”

__________________________

Please help us get to 1,000 Facebook “likes” by clicking here and “liking” us.

Check out some of today's other top stories here.

 


Related Topics: bear sightings and black bear

Leave a comment