Pennsylvania Game Commission preliminary bear harvest figures show that 2,946 bears were taken during last week's three-day season and an additional 68 bears were harvested during the two-day archery season on Nov. 19-20.

So far, the total bear harvest of 3,004 for the two seasons preliminarily ranks as the fifth highest statewide harvest.

However, with the extended bear season in certain areas continuing through Saturday, the total preliminary harvest will increase.

Official total bear harvest figures for all three seasons won't be available until early 2009, after a thorough review of all bear harvest reports.

Potter County was far and away the most successful county for bear hunting, as 288 bruins were harvested this year (compared to just 100 last year).

No bears were harvested in York, Adams or Lancaster counties.

The top 10 bears processed at check stations all had estimated live weights exceeding 600 pounds. Morgan C. Neipert, of Tobyhanna, harvested the largest bear, which was a male that weighed in at 716 pounds (estimated live weight). The bear was taken in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.

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