Bear on the loose in West Goshen
WEST GOSHEN » A bear that has been spotted by several residents in West Goshen Township over the weekend is still on the loose.
A black bear weighing between 100 and 150 pounds was seen wandering to the rear of properties located in the 300 block of South Five Points Road in West Goshen Township on June 13 at 9 a.m. The bear was tracked by police heading in a westerly direction toward Amelia Drive and was last seen in the area of Rolling Green Memorial Park before officers lost sight of it.
A reverse 911 call was made to more than 600 residents in the area. The state Game Commission was notified. Gary Altoonian, who lives in West Goshen near Route 202, saw the bear in his back yard on Saturday morning. He grabbed his cell phone and snapped a photo.
Over
the
weekend,
a black bear that was spotted in Lower Makefield, Bucks County, prompted authorities to issue a shelter-inplace order. And bear sightings have been reported to police in Chadds Ford, and Upper Chichester in Delaware County. Police are unsure if it is the same bear.
The National Park Service offers the following tips for what to do if you see a black bear:
Remain watchful, and do not approach the bear. 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, change your direction. And if the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. If it gets close, shout at it, and act aggressively. Look it straight in the eyes and let it know you will fight if attacked. Stamp your feet and take a step or two toward the bear. Threaten the bear with whatever is handy, such as a stick or pole. The more the bear persists, the more aggressive your response should be, according to the National Park Service.
Police ask anyone who has seen the bear to call 911 immediately.