Bethel Park police are warning residents to be aware of a black bear that was spotted Friday in the area of South Park Road and Drake Road.

Residents are being advised on the police department Facebook page, “to STAY AWAY from the animal,” according to information posted at about 9:15 p.m.

Police urge residents not to approach the bear in order to take its picture.

The South Hills Cooperative Animal Control and the Pennsylvania Game Commission have been made aware of the sightings, police said.

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

The post said the black bears are highly transient and the animal likely is just passing through the area.

Still, residents were advised to check their yards before letting their pets outside.

There were reports of at least two other bear sightings around the region this week.

On Tuesday, a young black bear was spotted in Penn Hills along Frankstown Road. Social media reports and the Pennsylvania Game Commission said it was likely the same one spotted later that evening in Turtle Creek and Monroeville. Another bear was seen Thursday by residents in South Fayette.

While black bears are not known for preying on dogs or cats, they will defend themselves aggressively if they believe they are endangered.

If you see the bear in your yard, stay inside and call animal control.

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