Bear spotted near hospital, college

A bear has been spotted multiple times over the past few days in Bethlehem Township.

Police Capt. Shaun Powell said the bear was seen about 8:30 a.m. Monday at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus. The department received two calls reporting a bear near the south end of the parking lots there.

Officers did not find the bear when they arrived. Hospital security were notified to be on the lookout for it, and police notified the Pennsylvania Game Commission as well.

Monday afternoon, the Nancy Run Fire Company shared a video on its Facebook page showing a bear in the area of Oakland Road and Easton Avenue reaching for a bird feeder before running through a field.

“If you see the bear, please be kind and stay away!” the fire department warned.

The day before, police had spotted a bear near Northampton Community College.

Powell said officers watched a bear cub climb a fence about 5 p.m. and keep going through a residential neighborhood.

A bear was also seen Sunday morning. Powell said residents reported a small bear or a cub was seen about 9 a.m. near the Green Pond Road and County Club Road intersection.

The captain said it appears the bear, or bears, are traveling. The Game Commission and partner BearWise said October is a very active month for black bears. BearWise is an organization that offers information on how to coexist with black bears.

BearWise’s suggestions include never feed or approach them; secure food, garbage and recycling; remove bird feeders when bears are active; never leave pet food outdoors; clean and store all grills or smokers; and alert neighbors to bear activities.