Black Bears in Pennsylvania
"Black Bears in Pennsylvania" is the topic of the Thursday, January 13th meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association. John Fetchkan, Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer in Cumberland County, is the featured speaker. He will present information on bear biology, habits, nuisance bears, and what you should know for your own safety around bears. The meeting will be at 7:00 PM, at the Franklin County Ag Heritage Building which is located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane in Chambersburg. The meeting is open to the public. You do not have to be a member of the association and there is no cost to attend. The workshop is handicap accessible. If you need specific accommodations, please contact Penn State Cooperative Extension in advance at 717-263-9226.
Pennsylvania's black bear population is larger and more widely distributed than in the past. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, bears are now resident in at least 55 counties, but sightings are possible in all counties. At the same time through the continued expansion of residential development, many people have moved into the areas where bears reside. As a result, bears and people are coming into contact more than ever. Learning about bears and being aware of their habits is important for people who live in bear country, which now includes most of the state.
The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of private forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania. The mission of the association is to provide information, education and an exchange of ideas to its members and others about the methods and benefits of proper forest management.
For more information about the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association and the January 13th meeting, contact Fred Peabody at 717/776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net).
