Pennsylvania Bans Feeding Bears and Elk Statewide

Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations (58 Pa. Code Sec. 137.32, 137.33) prohibit the intentional or unintentional feeding of black bears anywhere in the Commonwealth and feeding of elk in elk range counties. Deer feeding is banned within Disease Management Areas designated by the Game Commission for chronic wasting disease control. Bird feeders that incidentally attract bears must be removed once warned. The statewide rules apply universally and supersede any conflicting local approach to wildlife feeding.

First offense bear feeding warnings; subsequent violations are summary offenses with $100-$1,500 fines. Continued feeding after written notice may result in additional charges per day.