Last year’s bear harvest was the most in state history.
According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, 4,653 bears were harvested in 2019. That number increased by 1,500 from 2018, which was the lowest bear harvest in the last 11 years.
Locally, 44 bears were harvested in Butler County last year compared to 26 bears harvested in 2018.
The bear population in the state before the harvest was estimated to be about 20,000. Officials say a record over 200,000 hunters purchased bear licenses last year. The Board of Game Commissioners has already decided to add a week to the 2020 bear archery season.