All unrecognizable outside noises and disturbances should be checked, but don't do it on foot with a flashlight. Black bears blend in too well with nighttime surroundings providing the chance for a close encounter. Pennsylvania's bear population has been increasing for years, and currently is estimated to be slightly over 10,000. Last year, hunters harvested 1,740 bears, and nearly 340 bears were killed on highways. These encounters are occurring because human developments are encroaching into bear habitat and some bears have learned to associate residential areas with food.
Chance encounters in the field also appear to be more common than before in some areas.
Ternent noted that although bears are not strangers to Pennsylvanians, bears are misunderstood by many. Bears needn't be feared, nor should they be dismissed as harmless. He stressed that in the past 25 years fewer than 10 people have been injured by bears in Pennsylvania, and there are no known records of a Pennsylvania black bear killing a human. If you see a bear and it hasn't seen you, leave the area calmly. Talk to the bear while moving away to help it discover your presence.