Black Bear Spotted Near Plymouth Meeting Mall

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — A black bear was spotted near the Plymouth Meeting Mall on Thursday, sparking an alert from police and concern from residents throughout the densely populated area.

The bear was spotted at around 4 a.m. near Edge Fitness and Whole Foods, and then again just after 1 p.m. in the area of the mall. Police are now warning residents to "use caution" in the areas of Hickory Road, Walton Road, Township Line Road, and Narcissa Road.

The bear was last seen running toward the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

It's not the first time that a black bear, which is native to all of Pennsylvania has been seen in the area. Sightings are typically rare in the suburban Philadelphia region, but as development spreads into other parts of the state and resources dwindle, it becomes increasingly likely that they will wander outside of their typical habitats.

Further, bears can become reliant on trash as a food source in suburban areas, creating "problem behavior" over time.

Police were unable to find the bear after both sightings, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission has dispatched officers to assist.

The National Park Service offers the following tips for what to do if you see a black bear:

• Remain watchful.
• Do not approach it
• Do not allow the bear to approach you.
• If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
• Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.
• If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting:
• Change your direction.
• If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground.
• If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it.
• Act aggressively to intimidate the bear.