Young bear spotted moving through Towamencin and Lansdale prompts safety warnings

TOWAMENCIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- Authorities are urging residents to remain alert after a bear was spotted moving through parts of Montgomery County, including Towamencin Township and Lansdale, over the past day.

Officials said the animal was last seen around 11 a.m. near the 2200 block of Berks Road in Lansdale. The state game warden believes it is the same bear reported in multiple sightings across the area and is asking the public to watch for it.

Police received several calls about the bear the previous night. Officers briefly saw the animal and took photographs before it disappeared into nearby woods. Additional images show the bear several miles away, walking through a driveway near a child's playhouse.

According to the state game commission, the bear appears to be traveling south. It was first reported near Detwiler and Gehman roads in Towamencin Township, then seen a few hours later on Finch Run, before the mid-morning sighting in Lansdale about four miles away.

The sightings have raised concern among residents who frequent the area.

Carol Palermo, who walks along Detwiler Road nearly every day, said she adjusted her routine after hearing about the bear.

"I thought, 'I'm going to be safe today,'" Palermo said. "Just walk along the sidewalk, carry my cane."

Others in the neighborhood are questioning the size and behavior of the animal.

"How big is the bear? I have more questions," said Towamencin Township resident Tasha Holmes.

Wildlife officials believe the animal is young and may have recently been separated from its mother, which is common during this time of year.

Police are asking residents to call if they see the bear. Officials said their plan is to trap the animal and relocate it to a safer environment.

Holmes said the situation remains unsettling despite assurances that the bear may not be aggressive.

"So, not necessarily a scary bear, but still a baby bear. But still, that's unsettling. I have a dog and a child; I don't want either one of them to go missing permanently. So, yes, it's scary," she said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise residents to stay vigilant while the bear remains in the area.