Pennsylvania has been gaining a reputation for being one of the top states for bear hunting with some good harvest and some world-class trophy bears taken in the past few years. This reputation was helped by the harvest of a state record black bear of nearly 900 pounds on the opening day of black bear archery season. The bear was taken in the northeastern portion of the state near Bush Kill, PA which is about four and a half hours from Johnstown. While the legally taken bear is cause for celebration to hunters, there are many in the area that are upset by the shooting of the bear.
The huge black bear had become a fixture in the area. This bear had been adopted by many area residents and even had become an unofficial mascot of one local restaurant. One resident had remembered how he had been feeding the bear for nearly 17 years since it was a cub. The bear was also frequently seen in dumpsters in the area and had even been fed ice cream by others. Yet one must wonder if these interactions that the bear had with others, led to its death.
Many outdoor recreation enthusiasts are familiar with the idea of “Leave No Trace.” It is the idea that we are o get out and enjoy nature, but leave the area in the same way or better. One of the seven principles of the program is to respect wildlife. The best way to do this is by keeping wildlife wild. Wildlife such as black bear, has a general and natural fear of people. Wildlife is likely to avoid contact with humans. However, as we interact with wildlife, they begin to lose that fear of people. This begins to put people and wildlife at risk.
For example, let’s look at feeding a wild animal. As it is fed by someone, it begins to recognize people as providing them food. The animal may start approaching anyone that it sees. Some people may find the animals a nuisance. The animals may also approach those that mean to hunt or harm them. And the animals may become aggressive if not fed and be seen as a threat to a person participating in outdoor recreation. The animal may then be harmed because of the threat that is perceived.
There are a few simple steps that we can take to keep Johnstown area wildlife wild. It is up to us not only in the woods but also around home.
The first place to start is by observing wildlife from a distance. When you are hiking or out wildlife watching, take binoculars. This will allow you to observe the animals without approaching the wildlife. If photographing wildlife is your thing, use a good telephoto lens or a camera with a good zoom. This is another way that you can get up close while keeping your distance.
A second step is to keep food and trash properly secured. When camping, never leave your food or even coolers in plain sight. Bear for example have come to recognize that a cooler has food in it. They have been known to break into cars to get to a cooler. Keep your food properly sealed and consider using a bear keg which is designed to keep wildlife out of your food. Trash is also an issue. Trash that is left out at a campsite can attract wildlife looking for food. Put trash in dumpsters or secure it in a way that animals can not get to it. This also includes not leaving food scraps behind when hiking or biking.
One last step is to refrain from feeding animals. This includes black bear, deer, or even geese and ducks. One must wonder if this bear in Bush Kill had not been fed, if it would have avoided the hunter. We will never really know.
So get out there and have fun Johnstown. And remember to respect wildlife and leave no trace.
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