Black bear spotted rummaging through trash, 'like he was having a little picnic' in Chester County

WEST VINCENT TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A black bear has been spotted moving through neighborhoods in Chester County, alarming residents as it searches for food and prompting warnings from local police.

The bear has been seen multiple times in recent days and was last reported in Uwchlan Township.

Residents say the animal appears to be moving mostly at night.

One of those encounters happened outside the home of West Vincent Township resident Amanda Morgera, who saw the bear rummaging through her garbage late last night.

"I'm still kind of in shock," Morgera said. "I've never had a bear in my yard."

Video from the scene shows the bear knocking over a trash can and pulling out bags with its teeth. Morgera said the animal lingered under a tree while eating.

"It looked like he was having a little picnic there under the tree. Literally ate a whole watermelon - there were pieces of all the food in the trash," she said.

Food appears to be the primary draw. Trash cans and bird feeders have been easy targets, and neighbors have shared photos of smashed feeders in the area. Police say the bear is looking for whatever it can find quickly.

"It's walking around, looking for food basically. Going through trash cans, bird feeders. Anything it can get ahold of quick," said Justin Fritz of the West Vincent Township Police Department.

Police are warning residents to take precautions while the bear remains in the area. They are urging people to keep pets supervised, clean outdoor cooking areas, store pet food indoors and, most importantly, not approach the animal.

Video of the bear shows tagged ears, which police said could indicate it was previously trapped or tagged as a cub. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has been notified.

"They're trying to track it now to get a pattern to be able to possibly trap it," Officer Fritz said.

While there have been bear sightings in the area before, police say it has been some time since one has traveled through local neighborhoods. Morgera hopes the animal does not return and plans to change how she handles her trash.

"We'll probably bring them in garage tonight, or he'll be back for a snack," she said.

Authorities say they are relying on reports from residents to track the bear as it continues moving through the area, largely after dark.