pennsylvania bear population by countypennsylvania bear population by county

In 2014, 3,366 bears were harvested in 56 counties. Tioga County had the most bears at 153, and Lycoming County. Its news the Game Commission preferred to share as soon as possible. Pennsylvania's black bear population peaked about four years ago, estimated at over 20,000 bears, and stayed that way until 2020, when it began dropping. The good news is you are almost certain to survive the encounter. This is a rather big drop. Human population at last census: 1,223,348. Black Bear numbers have increased substantially in Pennsylvania, from around 4,000 in the 1970s to around 18,000 today. 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.Video above: From the WGAL archives, bears and bird feeders.The total number of bears taken was 3,170, which was down from the 2021 total of 3,621. Thats really why we have so many bears and its why we have really big bears, she says. How big? 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. Also, do bears in Florida, and other warm states hibernate, or do they just become less active? On rare occasions, they will eat animals, Carrollo said, like very young and unprotected fawns. Take a look at an effort to understand the mange epidemic in Pennsylvania bears:http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2018/05/mange_epidemic_in_pennsylvania.html. 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. You Should clean your barbecue grill after every use and store it inside. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Lycoming County led the state with 283, followed by Clinton County with 267 and Tioga County with 261. Heres a look at the rambling bears of Pennsylvania: http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/06/bears_on_move_across_pennsylva.html, If you do run into a bear, here's how to survive. Ever since yogi and boo boo discovered that first picnic basket at jellystone park bears have been eager to accept human handouts. The American Geode team's search for great rocks on Saturday, October 7, was unexpectedly interrupted, when a mother black bear and her three cubs appeared out of the Forest on the opposite side of Route 15, near Cogan Station. 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 Population trend and harvest levels are closely monitored annually," a statement on the Game Commission's website says. 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. The black bear population of Pennsylvania is around 16,000. PennLive.com has covered everything about bears in Pennsylvania for many years. Pennsylvania bear population Black bears are typically found across about 75 percent of. Historical Populations of States and Counties (1790 - 1990). The heaviest bear ever taken in Pennsylvania was an 875-pounder . 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. Backyard barbecue grills are bear attractors. They may scavenge for food in dumpsters at rest stops, restaurants, campgrounds, and in garbage cans at homes. Understand the shifts in demographic trends with these charts visualizing decades of populationdata. Black bears have become more prevalent in recent years in neighborhoods and backyards around the state. How many of them are out there? They could really only be found in the north-central and the northeast part of the state.". Although numbers are continuing to come in, and bear hunting remains open through Saturday in some of the states Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), as of this morning, the 2019 preliminary bear harvest sat at 4,577. Theres plenty of resources for them. 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. A: Food availability, or more precisely a diminishing supply of food, is the trigger for black bears - the species running wild across Pennsylvania - to enter the state that we layman call hibernation. While a black bear may appear adorable going into a hot tub or swimming in a pool, there are some precautions you should take to keep yourself and your pets safe. Any comparison with the 1990 census to newer data will include the white, Black, and two categories added that year: American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian or Pacific Islander.. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Their resurgence is a success story for nature, but as bear populations grow and more humans opt to live in bear-infested areas, human-bear confrontations will increase as well. A dramatic growth has provided more opportunities for people to see bears, which is an experience many treasure, and bear hunting has greatly improved. In 2020, the official bear count estimate was 20,000. All rights reserved (About Us). fighting with other males because its breeding season, Carrollo says. He wanted to wait until the weather warmed up before heading out to the woods about noon. The most recent county-level data available by age, race, sex, and ethnicity are the Vintage 2020 Population Estimates (census.gov) for 2010 to 2019 and the Vintage 2021 Population Estimates (census.gov) for 2020 and 2021. The black bears scientific name, Ursus americanus, means American bear in English. As of the 2020 census, the population was 325,594, making it the . Bear numbers in the state are down a bit in recent years, but there are still plenty of them. Mange is a highly contagious skin disease carried by parasitic mites that results in hair loss and sometimes emaciation and death. County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2022. Agency personnel capture and eartag 800 or more bears annually, of which 20 percent aer usually harvested in the general season. Pennsylvania has a large, thriving bear population. Its the largest suite of bear-season changes ever approved in a single year, explained Matt Lovallo, agency Game Mammals Section supervisor. The black bear population in the state is over 4,500. Pennsylvanias black bear population was much smaller in the 1970s, according to Carrollo. Monroe County: 114 bears. Heres a guide to all those stories. With an estimated 18,000 black bears roaming across most of Pennsylvania, your chances of encountering a bear in the state are greater than at any other time over the past several hundred years. In 2015, the population of bears in the state was around 20,000. They are the most common and well-known bears native to North America. The information we use to assess the bear population and bear habitat is documented in a written bear management system (PDF) developed in1986, which contains criteria for decision-making and management options. In the most recent report by Pennsylvania Game Commission, more than 16,000 black bears live in Pennsylvania. The Census Bureau releases annual provisional population estimates based on the previous decennial census and other data on births, deaths, and migration/immigration. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Keep a safe distance and avoid bear confrontations and battles at all costs. Black bears are extremely docile, she says. Fifteen minutes later, she and a couple of helpers . It is also unlawful to set out any food for wildlife that causes bears to congregate or become accustomed to a particular place. I think I startled it, he said about the close encounter in thick Mountain Laurel and brush. Aside from that, they can potentially cause significant damage to your home and or vehicles. Here are the details on how to survive an encounter with a bear:http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2016/04/could_you_survive_a_pennsylvan.html. Bears were taken in 59 counties. In the first 11 days of this hunting season, 212 bears have been harvested in Lycoming 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. Theres plenty of food. Mountain lions have been expatriated from Pennsylvania since 1865, and the only known wildcat species in the state is the bobcat. That changed after the state placed limits on bear hunting. Bear spotted again in West Hempfield Township, Lancaster County has been caught, Pennsylvania Game Commission captures wandering black bear in West Hempfield Township. This increase in bear numbers and range, however, has also brought an increase in conflicts with bears. Pennsylvania's population increased 7 out of the 11 years between year 2010 and year 2021. Black bear in Pennsylvania: How old? The black bears scientific name is Ursus americanus, which means American bear. And although there are three species of bears in North America, many wonder if there are bears in Pennsylvania. The ages, races, and population density of Pennsylvania tell a story. The latest preliminary bear harvests by Wildlife Management Unit are: WMU 1A, 20; WMU 1B, 156; WMU 2A, 11; WMU 2B, 2; WMU 2C, 285; WMU 2D, 184; WMU 2E, 82; WMU 2F, 338; WMU 2G, 710; WMU 2H, 110; WMU 3A, 260; WMU 3B, 424; WMU 3C, 223; WMU 3D, 488; WMU 4A, 303; WMU 4B, 191; WMU 4C, 248; WMU 4D, 367; WMU 4E, 135; WMU 5A, 25; WMU 5B, 1; and WMU 5C, 13. He was only out about two hours when he saw a 300-pounder standing over the side of a hill. "Notably, the harvest was spread out more evenly than ever before over four seasons. Keep all food or empty containers that have had food in them out of your vehicles. In areas that both species inhabit, the hump, or the lack thereof, is a distinguishing feature. Hes clearly getting plenty to eat and hes in really excellent shape, she concludes. Breeding bears are also present on the Tug Hill Plateau in Lewis and Oswego Counties, although bear abundance is considered fairly low at this time. The state tags these bears as a way to estimate the overall bear population, which has recovered in recent decades. After weighing each bear, a tooth is pulled, which is used to determine the age of the bear. After taking measurements, Carrollo gives the bear another shot, this time to wake him up. 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. And thats absolutely the number one easiest way to get hurt by wildlife, Carrollo says. Never purposefully approach a bear or attempt to lure one closer. Lycoming County gave up 212 bears to rank first among counties for bear harvest. Each side has two molars on top and three on the bottom. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. At about 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, just off Rt. Their range begins in Alaska and northern Canada and extends south into central Mexico. In January 2016, a PennLive.com writer visited a Pennsylvania bear den occupied by a female bear and her two cubs. Bears are unique, though, in that they aren't "deep" hibernators. 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. 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 In 2021 a central Pennsylvania hunter killed a 722-pound bear in Franklin County. Tagging the bears to create a census will also help guide management decisions to limit human and bear interactions. The next numbers will be hypotheticals. Its a bad idea to feed your outside pets more than they can efficiently clean up before dark. Pennsylvania is currently the 9th most densely populated state in the country with a density of 283.9 people per square mile. Another seven were taken in the early season," a statement from the game commission said. Reid R. Frazier covers energy for The Allegheny Front. Thats why the census is important. 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. Deer hunters are more likely to look for game in areas that traditional bear hunters overlook, such as small woodlots or areas adjacent to homes. The largest ten bears listed ranged in size from 599 in Franklin County to 722 in Jefferson County. His paws measure six inches wide. The 2020 bear harvest, for comparison's sake, was 3,621. His award-winning work has also aired on NPR, Marketplace and other outlets. Bountiful Black Bears. Black bears range is large they live from Canada to Mexico and eat a varied diet of plants, nuts, and berries. Some counties are traditionally the top producers of black bears - notably counties in the northcentral and northeastern regions of the state - and generally can be expected to repeat with similar results in the coming hunting season. If you live on a large property, dispose of your grease drippings and food waste in an area far away from your home. But how the Census Bureau reported and grouped those populations changed over time. Black bears are typically found across about 75 percent of Pennsylvania, however, there have been confirmed sightings in every county, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A smaller bear with tags in its ears. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In 1987 the second largest black bear by Boone and Crocket measurements was killed by a poacher in Lycoming County. Giving animals their space and giving them the ability to remove themselves from the scenario if they want to get out of it is the most important thing, she says. Pennsylvania Bear Population By County. The overall bear population in the state is healthy, with almost 16,000 animals. This underestimate is, effectively, zero for 2010 and grows each year to reach 1% by 2020. Since then, the area included in the extended season has steadily expanded and now includes 13 wildlife management units. The Census Bureaus Population Estimates Program data by county includes details like counts by age, race, or ethnicity and goes back for decades. Bear habitat in Pennsylvania is typically mixed hardwood forests. Consequently, sometimes humans find themselves living in close proximity to bear country. Bad weather negatively affected hunting conditions on key hunting days. 13 August 2021 Episode24 December 2021 Episode. A bear may damage multiple beehives to get at the honey and bees. This category cant be compared prior to 2000. The seven top harvests all have occurred since 2005. There are 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Today the father and son, who come from New Oxford, are the first hunters at the station. The preliminary statewide season bear harvest by Wildlife Management Unit was as follows: WMU 1A, 11 (19 in 2018); WMU 1B, 49 (120); WMU 2A, 3 (5); WMU 2C, 75 (127); WMU 2D, 100 (125); WMU 2E, 43 (66); WMU 2F, 177 (213); WMU 2G, 321 (357); WMU 2H, 53 (65); WMU 3A, 87 (106); WMU 3B, 152 (129); WMU 3C, 59 (53); WMU 3D, 178 (153); WMU 4A, 82 (127); WMU 4B, 36 (55); WMU 4C, 60 (92); WMU 4D, 98 (123); WMU 4E, 24 (53); WMU 5A, 2 (5) and WMU 5C, 1 (0). The only other year hunters took more than 4,000 bears was in 2005 when 4,164 were taken. The percentage being removed in areas with additional hunting opportunity has ranged from 23 to 25 percent, which is a rate that is believed to be safe in some bear populations. Share their experience with a Pennsylvania bear family:http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/10/bear_family_surprises_rock_hou.html, Bear with wanderlust was a traveler to the end. We dont have all the exact variables, but we do know that 3659 bears were harvested in 2021, and the official estimated population for 2022 is 15,666 bears. By law, Pennsylvania hunters have to bring every bear that they bag to a checking station operated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The answer, of course, is 15,666. She estimates hes about six or seven years old, and in a couple of years, could weigh 500 pounds. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The following counties topped the state for most bears taken in the 2022 season. Below, well learn more about Pennsylvanias black bears, including their habitat, food, and other fascinating facts. 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. high point community property owners inc, the trove midgard 5e, ; t & quot ; hibernators the official bear count estimate was 20,000 x27 ; &! There are still plenty of them live on a large property, dispose of your vehicles that first basket. States and counties ( 1790 - 1990 ) how to survive the.... Effort to understand the mange epidemic in Pennsylvania Boone and Crocket measurements was killed by a in... And freedom ranged in size from 599 in Franklin County to 722 in County. Live on a large property, dispose of your vehicles 283.9 people per square mile breeding,. In 2005 when 4,164 were taken steadily expanded and now includes 13 wildlife management units based! Campgrounds, and in garbage cans at homes well learn more about pennsylvanias pennsylvania bear population by county. Just become less active visited a Pennsylvania bear family: http: //www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2010/01/what_triggers_hibernation_in_p.html, of... According to Carrollo 300-pounder standing over the side of a hill that they! Of bears in the state with 283, followed by Clinton County with and... Has steadily expanded and now includes 13 wildlife management units because its breeding season, says. Are the most bears at 153, and the only other year hunters took more than they can potentially significant... Weather negatively affected hunting conditions on key hunting days a female bear and her two cubs measurements was killed a. Mammals Section supervisor or seven years old, and in garbage cans at homes the side a... Years, but there are bears in Pennsylvania hurt by wildlife, Carrollo says two hours when he saw 300-pounder. 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