Black bear in Chester County caught on video stealing garbage
West Vincent Township police said the bear probably wants to avoid people, but residents should take precautions so that their backyards don't turn into the "local buffet."
A Chester County police department on Monday posted a nighttime video of a black bear purloining a garbage bag from someone’s backyard, and advised residents to take steps to “keep both residents and our furry traveler safe.”
West Vincent Township police said they have received reports of a black bear roaming the area. The police shared a Nest video showing a black bear entering the yard next to a covered boat, then grabbing a small bag of garbage.
The bear briefly looks right and left for witnesses, then sneaks away.
“Remember: This bear is likely just passing through in search of snacks and a shortcut. Let’s not make your backyard the local buffet,” the police wrote on Facebook.
The police told residents that if they see the bear or have video, “or witness behavior that causes concern,” to call 911 so officers can monitor the situation and notify the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Black bears “are generally not aggressive and usually want nothing to do with people, [and] a few extra precautions can help keep both residents and our furry traveler safe,” the police said.
If residents see the bear, they should keep their distance.
They should keep pet food indoors and temporarily remove bird feeders, police said. They should secure garbage cans and place them out in the morning for pickup, not the night before.
Keep a close eye on pets, especially during dawn and dusk, police said. And clean grills and outdoor cooking areas.
