A bear spotted roaming through the Speedway section of Warminster Township on Saturday morning was safely captured and relocated after a coordinated response from local and state authorities.
Police first received reports of the bear in the area of Evergreen and Juniper streets. Officers from the Warminster Township Police Department responded to the scene, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission was promptly notified.
Residents were urged to remain indoors and call 911 if they encountered the animal.
After approximately three and a half hours of searching and monitoring, officials located the bear in a backyard on the 300 block of Olive Street. Working together, Warminster Police and Game Commission personnel were able to peacefully apprehend the animal without incident.
According to authorities, the bear will be relocated to a more suitable environment to support its continued growth and wellbeing.
Police thanked residents in the Speedway neighborhood for their patience and cooperation during the incident.
According to The Advance of Bucks County, residents are urged not to approach a bear and call police for assistance.
It is that time of year, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, when young black bears search for food and a place to call home. Numerous bear sightings have recently been reported throughout Bucks County.
“Any time a black bear makes its way down into suburban Philadelphia, it’s usually quite a time,” said Jim Crown, state Game Warden, in the news report. “It draws a lot of attention. They will go until they find a spot that’s suitable for them to live,” he said, “and has enough food resources, and a place where they’re not going to get pushed out by bigger bears.”
The state Game Commission makes several recommendations on what to do if a bear is encountered:
Do not run (running may trigger a chase)
Stay calm (remain calm and avoid sudden movements)
Identify yourself (talk calmly to let the bear know you are human)
Back away slowly (while facing the bear, back away slowly to give it space to escape)
Do not approach, crowd or pursue the bear (give the bear space)
Make yourself look large (raise your arms and wave them, or stand on higher ground)
Make loud noises (shout, clap or use an air hose to scare away the bear)
If the bear approaches, stand your ground and fight back (use anything available, such as stick or rocks)
Do not climb a tree (black bears are good at climbing)
Report an aggressive bear at 888-PCG-8001
