PENNSYLVANIA Bear tips

Mark Ternent, a Pennsylvania Game Commission black bear biologist, offered three suggestions to keep from attracting bears to a property:
Play it smart. Do not feed wildlife. Food placed outside for wildlife, such as corn for squirrels, may attract bears. Even bird feeders can become "bear magnets."
Keep it clean. Don't put out garbage until pickup day; don't throw table scraps out back; don't add fruit or vegetable wastes to your compost pile. If you have pets and feed them outdoors, consider placing food dishes inside overnight. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your back yard, stay calm. Shout at it like you would to chase away an unwanted dog. Don't approach it. If the bear won't leave, call the nearest game commission regional office or local police department for assistance.