Some Recent Bear Encounters

I think that black bears are the most magnificent mammals in Pennsylvania. They symbolize wilder times. Although they are generally passive and fearful of humans, a mature bear is strong enough to overpower even the toughest of men. I have run into a number of bruins while I have been fishing. Thankfully, none of them have been aggressive; and though I was concerned about them, I was never really afraid.

Several people I know have had some recent encounters with bears that have not been altogether pleasant. One woman who lives in a rural area has had her garbage strewn all over the place by a...