Black Bear Spotted In Philadelphia Park

A black bear was spotted in Wissahickon Park on Friday morning, the Friends of the Wissahickon said.

The bear was seen along the park's main artery, Forbidden Drive, near Valley Green Inn.

He was walking across the Creek in the direction of Devil's Pool.

Hikers, bikers, and other park-goers are asked to avoid these areas.

Visitors are also urged to keep dogs leashed while in the Park.

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.

The Wissahickon is a tributary of the Schuylkill. The park stretches along the edges of Manayunk and Roxborough up towards Chestnut Hill.

To subscribe to text updates on the situation and other park alerts, text WISS to (267) 966-2207.

Image courtesy Friends of the Wissahickon.