Pennsylvania black bears usually want food, not people. The easiest way to create a problem is to let a bear learn that a campsite, cabin, or property produces easy calories. The Pennsylvania Game Commission emphasizes removing attractants because bears that repeatedly find human food can become habituated and return.

Think beyond the cooler

Food is obvious, but bears also investigate trash, cooking grease, pet food, scented items, and dirty grills. Anything that smells edible should be managed deliberately.

Do not leave food scraps in a fire ring and do not assume a closed vehicle window makes an odor disappear.

Follow the storage rules for the place you are camping

Campgrounds and public lands can have different food-storage requirements. Use provided bear-resistant lockers when available and follow posted rules.

Where no locker is provided, use the storage method required or recommended by the land manager rather than improvising after dark.

Clean cooking areas immediately

Wipe tables, pack leftovers, secure trash, and clean cookware after the meal. Grease and food residue left overnight can be more attractive than sealed food inside a tote.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission also advises cleaning and securing grills around homes because grease and food odors attract bears.

Never intentionally feed bears

Pennsylvania prohibits intentionally placing food or other attractants to cause bears to congregate or become habituated. Feeding also teaches bears to associate people with food.

Wildlife viewing is better when animals remain wild and keep their natural distance.

If a bear appears

Give it space and do not approach for a photo. Keep children and pets close and follow current Pennsylvania Game Commission and land-manager guidance for encounters.

If a bear is repeatedly causing a nuisance around a property or campground, report the situation through the appropriate local or state channel.

Quick checklist

• Food secured after every meal
• Trash secured
• Pet food not left outside
• Grill and cookware cleaned
• No food scraps in fire ring
• Children know not to approach wildlife
• Current campground bear rules reviewed

Related: The Pennsylvania Game Commission has current bear guidance; also see our emergency preparedness guide.