Police warn of black bear sightings in Allegheny Co. communities

OHIO TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Black bear sightings are catching a lot of attention across Sewickley Hills and Ohio Township, and neighbors are on high alert.

Police in Ohio Township issued a warning to residents that people have been seeing black bears across both residential neighborhoods and a popular park.

An Ohio Township resident snapped a photo and captured the bear on video roaming the woods in nearby Sewickley Hills.

The Ohio Township police posted the warning on their Facebook page.

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Stephanie Ziegler took action right away.

"I was kind of shocked and we're feeding an outdoor cat. So I panicked and got all the food so we wouldn't leave the food out for the bear to try to plow into my townhouse last night. I was a little bit nervous but I kind of wanted to see him from afar," Ziegler said.

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WPXI Ohio Twp Bear Black bear sightings are catching a lot of attention across Sewickley Hills and Ohio Township, and neighbors are on high alert. (Viewer submitted)

Ziegler and a friend walked through the Ohio Township Community Park Wednesday morning, where the bear was last seen.

“A little nervous. I’m not gonna lie, a little excited. I hope to get a peek, but we've seen nothing — just bunnies,” Ziegler said.

Police say another spot the bear was last seen was the Diamond Run area, a residential neighborhood.

“We're gonna be a little more careful I think," Tammie Carmichael said.

According to police, the PA Game Commission has been notified.

Officials say Pennsylvania black bears are typically docile and tend to avoid human contact.

They're transient too and may not be in the area for very long.

But still, you want to be cautious, especially during the early morning hours and early evening hours, when they're most active.

Police said if you see one, call 911.

RAW: Black bear spotted in Ohio Twp RAW: Black bear spotted in Ohio Twp

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