Black Bear Chases Boy Into Pennsylvania Dollar Store

Bear Chases Boy Into Pennsylvania Dollar Store

A Pennsylvania dollar store had an unusual visitor.

Cole Frazee was shopping with his father at a Family Dollar in Markleysburg, Pa., when he stepped out for a moment adn came face to face with a black bear – and his mind instantly went to the worst-case scenario, he told CBS News Pittsburgh.

The 11-year-old told the outlet he feels lucky to be alive, recalling that at the moment, he was thinking to himself, “I’m probably going to be eaten by a bear.”

After encountering the towering animal, which ran after the boy, Frazee bolted back into the store, he recalled to CBS news Pittsburgh.

“And when it runs after me, I turn around, I run in the store. I’m, like, screaming and stuff,” the 11-year-old told the outlet, adding that the four-legged creature was about “a foot and a half away from me.”

The bear spent about 10 minutes in the store, and the incident was caught on security cameras.

Pennsylvania residents Warned About Increasing Black Bear Sightings as Animals Prepare for Winter

As the weather cools and winter approaches, black bear activity is increasing in Pennsylvania, leading to more frequent sightings in neighborhoods and populated areas. Wildlife officials are reminding residents to take precautions to avoid attracting bears and to understand bear behavior as the animals prepare for hibernation.

Why Are Bears Appearing in residential Areas?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (Pennsylvania Game Commission) explains that bears are primarily entering these areas in search of food.Autumn is a critical time for bears as they enter a period of hyperphagia – increased feeding – to build up fat reserves for the winter months.

According to the Game Commission, “most bears will run from a human, some that live in close proximity to people can become habituated and appear indifferent.” This habituation occurs when bears learn to associate human areas with readily available food sources.

Common attractants

Several common items found in and around homes can inadvertently attract bears:

* Bird feeders: These are a significant draw for bears, providing an easy source of high-calorie seeds.
* Garbage cans: Improperly secured garbage is a major attractant.
* Backyard grills: grease and food residue left on grills can lure bears.
* Pet food: Leaving pet food outdoors can also attract bears.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission website (Discover PA Wildlife: Black Bear) emphasizes that bears that become accustomed to human-provided food often become nuisances, causing property damage and increasing the risk of risky encounters.

How to Prevent Bear Encounters

Eliminating attractants is the most effective way to prevent problems. Residents are advised to:

* secure garbage cans: Use bear-resistant containers or store cans in a secure building until collection day.
* Remove bird feeders: Take down bird feeders during the fall and winter months.
* Clean grills thoroughly: Remove all grease and food residue from grills after each use.
* store pet food indoors: Do not leave pet food outside.
* Be aware of surroundings: When outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk, be alert and make noise to avoid surprising a bear.

What to Do If You Encounter a Bear

While most bears will avoid humans, encounters can occur. The Pennsylvania Game Commission recommends the following if you encounter a bear:

* Stay calm: Do not run.
* Make yourself appear large: Raise your arms and wave them slowly.
* Make noise: Shout or yell at the bear.
* Back away slowly: Maintain eye contact with the bear while slowly backing away.
* Report the sighting: Report any bear sightings or encounters to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Key Takeaways

* Black bear activity increases in the fall as they prepare for winter.
* Bears are attracted to human areas by readily available food sources.
* Eliminating attractants is the best way to prevent bear encounters.
* Knowing how to react during an encounter can help ensure safety.

Looking ahead: As Pennsylvania’s human population continues to expand into bear habitat, proactive measures to manage attractants and educate residents will be crucial for minimizing conflicts and ensuring the safety of both people and bears.

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