Black bear spotted in Wissahickon Valley Park

A black bear was spotted in Wissahickon Valley Park this morning, according to Friends of the Wissahickon. The bear was spotted by park users near Forbidden Drive as it was crossing through the Wissahickon Creek towards Devils Pool.

“This is a rare and wonderful wildlife sighting, as black bears have not been sighted in the Wissahickon in recent memory. We have alerted wildlife management officials who are working on locating the bear,” said Maura McCarthy, Friends of the Wissahickon executive director. “We don’t have any information about the bear’s origins, but we urge park users to be aware of their surroundings and to contact us if there are additional sightings of the bear. Our hope is that this amazing animal can be safely guided to a more appropriate forest home.”

Officials are asking visitors to avoid this part of the park, to use caution while hiking and to keep dogs leashed at all times.