Black Bear Cub Spotted Near Frick Park

Scott Priester, who lives in Regent Square, got a surprise about 12:45 Tuesday afternoon as he was running down Forbes Avenue, just past the entrance of Homewood Cemetery.

A small black bear cub ran across the four-lane road "as fast as he could," climbed the short stone wall and headed into the cemetery, which is adjacent to Frick Park.

Priester estimated the cub was approximately 60 to 80 pounds.

"I have seen plenty of deer, turkey and even some beautiful red fox, but the bear was a first, although the game commison was called late in the spring 2011 for another sighting," said Priester, an avid cyclist and runner.

Beth Fife, a wildlife conservation officer for Allegheny County with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, said this is the time of year when mother bears kick out yearlings and the males try to find their own territories. She said the cub Priester spotted is likely "a confused teenager."

"It's not uncommon for one to wander through," Fife said. "They follow railroad tracks, streams and riverbanks. Normally, they roam around at night."

What should people do if they spot a bear?

Fife said to yell and clap, and usually the bear will run. Bear sightings can be reported to police, although they handle it more as a public safety issue where the Game Commission handles it as a wildlife issue.

Fife said she keeps track of reported sightings when a bear is on the move. When appropriate, a trap can be set or, if the bear goes up a tree, she is equipped to tranquilize and remove the animal from the area.

In addition to the animals mentioned by Priester, Fife said Frick Park also has coyotes and raccoons.

To report a bear sighting, call the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Southwest Region office at 724-238-9523 or 724-238-9524.

Editor's note: Please upload any photos you happen to shoot of the bear as it wanders through the area.

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