• A black bear was recently spotted in North Park Lake, just north of Pittsburgh.
• Officials advise the public to give bears space and not let pets bother them.
• Black bears inhabit most of Pennsylvania, but are typically transient in urban areas.

If you see a black bear near Pittsburgh, give it space, and don’t let your pet bother it.

That’s the advice Allegheny County’s parks department gave locals after a bear was spotted in a lake north of Pittsburgh, with the department issuing a warning in partnership with Allegheny County Police Department on June 16.

Here’s what to know about the bear sighting and bears around the Pittsburgh area.

When, where was black bear spotted near Pittsburgh?

A black bear was spotted in North Park Lake in McCandless Township in Allegheny County just north of Pittsburgh.

Allegheny County Parks didn’t say when the bear was seen, but they posted about the sighting on Facebook on June 16, saying the Pennsylvania Game Commission had been notified and was monitoring the situation.

What should you do if you spot a black bear in Pittsburgh area?

After a black bear was spotted in North Park Lake, Allegheny County Parks and Allegheny County Police Department put out a joint statement warning residents not to bother bears.

In Pennsylvania, it’s easier than ever to buy consumer fireworks, but using them inside Pittsburgh city limits is where the law tightens up. For this week’s “Is It Legal?” series, the key distinction is that purchase and possession are generally allowed under state law, while where and how you launch them is restricted by local rules and safety regulations.

In Pittsburgh, residents can’t legally set off fireworks in public spaces like streets, sidewalks, parks or right-of-way areas. They’re also not supposed to launch them near buildings or vehicles, or in any way that directs fireworks toward people or property.

In rowhouse neighborhoods and dense blocks, that effectively rules out most front yards, alleys and tight backyards, because they sit too close to homes and parked cars to meet the distance and safety requirements. On top of that, noise and nuisance ordinances can come into play, especially late at night, giving police grounds to respond when fireworks are reported as a disturbance or hazard.

Officials stress that fireworks are explosives, not toys, and point to common risks: injuries from misfires, fires on roofs or in yards, and the impact on pets, older neighbors and veterans with PTSD. That’s why they consistently urge residents to skip DIY backyard launches and attend permitted, professional shows instead, where licensed operators, fire crews and safety plans are already in place.

More: Is it legal? Boating rules on Pittsburgh’s three rivers

More: Is it legal? What boaters can and can’t do on Pittsburgh’s rivers

More: Is it legal? Exploring ‘The Pittsburgh Left’

So, when viewers ask “Is it legal?” the answer is nuanced: Buying fireworks is broadly legal under state law, but setting them off in most Pittsburgh neighborhoods — especially in public spaces or close to buildings — is often not, and can quickly lead to citations or police visits rather than a celebration.

This article by Gabby Sartori was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

The 90-foot tall Ferris wheel will run from July 1 through July 5 on the North Shore. Tickets are on sale now and 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Veterans Leadership Program. Tickets can be purchased at: pittsburghpa.gov/july4.

The BNY Main Stage at Point State Park will have entertainment starting at 4 p.m. Headlining the performances will be Grammy- and Tony-Award nominated national pop rock band the Plain White T’s. Shows are free,

As part of the National Flag Foundation’s Light to Unite, the city’s skyscrapers will be illuminated in red, white and blue across Downtown at 9 p.m.

The city’s fireworks spectacular is set to be the city’s largest fireworks display in decades. For the first time, there will be a drone performance immediately before the fireworks start.

The fireworks show will utilize six barges on all three rivers – and some rooftops. Fireworks will begin at 9:35 PM on July 4.