Black Bear Spotted Near Montco Park

UPPER MORELAND, PA — A black bear was spotted in Montgomery County early Wednesday morning, police confirmed, putting local authorities on alert.

The bear was spotted near Farmstead Park in Upper Moreland Township, along the area of 2688 Byberry Road.

Police are asking residents in the area to check their security camera footage from late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning to see if they can chart the bear's course.

If you see the bear in the local area, call 911.

It comes just a day after a black bear was spotted some 15 miles away in Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County.

Black bears are native to all of Pennsylvania, but sightings are typically rare in the densely populated suburban Philadelphia region.

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, wildlife experts say.

Further, bears can become reliant on trash as a food source in suburban areas, creating "problem behavior" over time. RELATED: Black Bears Are Back: Here's What You Need To Know

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.