Video shows bear swimming in North Park Lake

A black bear was captured on video swimming across North Park Lake in Allegheny County, prompting a safety notice from local officials. The clip, posted to Facebook by Allegheny County Parks, shows the bear paddling in a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has been notified and is monitoring the situation. North Park Lake sits in western Pennsylvania, where sightings across the region have become increasingly frequent as development brings more people into bear corridors.

Officials urge visitors to exercise caution, give the animal ample space, and keep dogs on leashes. Do not attempt to interact with the bear. The Game Commission notes that sightings in Pittsburgh-area neighborhoods such as Summer Hill and Stanton Heights have been shared online. With an estimated 19,000 bears statewide, officials stress that encounters are common rather than unusual; when bears become a nuisance, attractants like bird feeders and unsecured garbage should be removed, and trapped animals may be relocated. If a bear is encountered, back away slowly, avoid running, stand your ground and shout, and use bear spray if necessary.