Residents of a quiet neighborhood in Guthriesville, Chester County, were surprised early Monday morning, writes Caroline Goggin for 6ABC.
That surprise was none other than a black bear that was spotted wandering through yards and digging through trash bins. The bear was first seen around 1:30 AM by Gina Amann, who was alerted by her barking dog and home security camera.
“Then the Ring camera went off, and I saw the bear walking across the front yard,” Amann said. “It was kind of surreal, actually.”
Beth Smith, another resident on Elmwood Drive, also caught the bear on her Ring camera and later discovered paw prints and overturned garbage on her driveway. She noted that the animal even rubbed up against her home.
Neighbor Ben Punch believes he first saw the bear Sunday night and contacted the East Brandywine Township and the Pennsylvania Game Commission the next day. According to the commission, although black bears live in over three-quarters of Pennsylvania and have been seen in every county, sightings in southeastern regions like Chester County are rare due to limited forest habitat.
Authorities believe the bear was likely a transient passing through. Residents are being urged to secure trash, remove bird feeders, and keep pet food indoors to avoid attracting wildlife into suburban areas.
Read the full story of the Guthriesville bear just hanging around the neighborhood before moving on at 6ABC.
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