For the second straight day, the bear was seen roaming through Reading's northern suburbs as it managed to elude capture.
The bear was last reported around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday by someone who saw it walking through the Laureldale Cemetery in Muhlenberg Township.
Police who responded to the area of Route 61 and Tuckerton Road said they tried to keep the bear contained to the cemetery but it got away.
"It's amazing because this is really residential out here," said Tom Yetto, who lives around the corner.
The bear was last seen walking north over the railroad tracks that run adjacent to the cemetery near the Cherokee Ranch neighborhood.
"My kids are always out here playing and the cemetery is basically in my backyard so it does concern me," said Albert Gonzalez, who lives close by.
More sightings were reported Monday on West Leesport Road and at the Reading Regional Airport in Bern Township.
The bear was seen walking down to the radio antennae along Arnold Road around noon.
"I've never seen a black bear that large before. We pulled up to him to take a couple photographs and then realized just how large this bear was as he stood up on all fours and started to walk away," said Terry Sroka, manager of the airport.
Sroka did manage to snap some photos before the bear disappeared into the woods.
"He then walked into the brush and just sat down and at that point we never saw him after that, but we certainly had concerns he was still in the area," said Sroka.
The bear has a metal tag attached to its ear, which means it has been captured before for research or for being a nuisance, said officials.
"The bear is obviously looking for food so the best thing to do is make sure your trash cans are secure and you don't leave anything out," said Sgt. Joel Marino, Muhlenberg Township Police Department.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission was contacted and it said this is mating season and the bear was probably looking for a mate.
Officials said as long as the bear does not cause any issues they will not try to catch it.
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