Number of bear sightings surprise area homeowners
This bear was spotted in a backyard near Mather.
This bear was spotted near Bank Street in Fredericktown.
Robert Wilson was sitting in his recliner, watching television when his Piersol Avenue living room suddenly became dark.
“The television is in front of a window,” Donna Wilson, Robert’s wife, said. “All of a sudden it went black. The bear was standing on the porch.”
She’s got the paw prints and bear scat to prove it.
Four bears roamed around Fredericktown Wednesday, East Bethlehem police Chief Mark Pompe said.
Two bears were seen traveling together.
Bears were also spotted in Clarksville and Mather.
Wilson said the bear at her home was at least 400 pounds. The animal entered the couple’s open garage, knocked over a barrel of corn and went through their garbage. The encounter occurred around 2 p.m.
“My husband was in the process of getting ready to go bear hunting, so the door was up,” she said.
Donna Wilson said nothing was damaged by the bear.
“When he stood up in front of the window, he almost covered it,” she said.
Wilson said she called 911 to report the sighting.
“I love bears. I love watching them,” she said. “It was so awesome to see. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
Paul Andrews, who lives along Bank Street, said a bear appeared in his yard around 2 p.m. Andrews said he shooed the bear along, but not before his wife captured some pictures.
Pompe said the Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission was notified and an officer came to Fredericktown to assess the situation.
He said his department worked with the commission to ensure the bears safely left the area.
As area schools were released, Pompe said officers followed buses to assure student safety. Centerville police assisted.
Archery season for bear opened Monday. Pompe said the animals were probably forced into the area as a result.
Police are asking people not to feed or approach bears. To report a sighting, call 911.