Bethel Park black bear on the move, residents warned to keep away

The black bear in Bethel Park is on the move.

Police on Friday said the bear was spotted in the area of South Park in the area of South Park and Drake roads.

On Saturday morning, the bear was seen in the area of Montour Trail near Washington Elementary School, and then later off Clifton Road in the township’s Rocky Ridge section.

Each of the locations are about a mile apart from each other.

Authorities warn residents not to approach the bear.

Representatives from the South Hills Cooperative Animal Control and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are in the area attempting to locate it.

A black bear also was reported Friday in Upper St. Clair near Boyce Mayview Park, according to a post from the Cooperative.

South Fayette residents also reported seeing a bear on Thursday.

Bethel Park police said black bears are “highly transient and the animal likely is just passing through the area.”

Black bear also have been spotted in the eastern suburbs.

On Tuesday, police received reports of a bear along Frankstown Road near the McDonald’s in Penn Hills. Later that evening, a bear — believed to be the same animal — was spotted in Turtle Creek and in Monroeville.

The day before, a bear was was reported in Plum, but authorities don’t know if it’s the same one.

While black bears are not known for preying on dogs or cats, they will defend themselves aggressively if they believe they are in danger, according to the state Game Commission.