Fifty bears were taken in the Allegany range. This was above the normal average of 34 bears. The bear biologists feel this is a result of bears moving a great distance, crossing the border from Pennsylvania and relocating in Steuben, Allegany and Cattaraugus counties. The state's wildlife biologists study bear activity by radio tracking collars and tagging data. Age can be determined from a tooth taken from harvested bears.
Accurate studies are necessary to determine bear populations and habitat range.
So, if you venture off camping at Lewie Lake or the Moose River Recreation Area this summer, you'll probably find evening guests wandering around the campground. Remember that these are wild animals. If you leave food around, even in your favorite ice chest, an old black bear will get it. But, I suppose that it will just help fatten him up for me to hunt this fall. Del is a veteran of many African safaris, taking a large cape buffalo on his last hunt.