May 18, 2016
Franconia Township Police Department/Facebook
This black bear was spotted near Souderton Area High School on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.
Cue mass hysteria: It's bear season, so to speak, in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Less than a week after a black bear was spotted in Northwest Philly's Wissahickon Valley Park, another black bear sighting has occurred about 45 minutes north.
The Franconia Township Police said on Facebook Tuesday the bear was last seen near the area of Souderton Area High School.
Attempts to tranquilize the bear have been unsuccessful, police said. In an update Wednesday, authorities said the bear appears to be about 2 years old and weighs between 125 and 150 pounds.
After concerns were raised by some residents, authorities also reminded everyone that when the Pennsylvania Game Commission eventually tranquilizes the bear, it is not harmed.
If and when the bear is captured, it is subdued so it can be released into a less populated area.
Police are asking that if you see the bear, do not approach it, and instead call 911.
They also reminded residents the bear is likely as afraid of you as you are of it.
