Adjust Text Size

News You Can Use

May 2, 2008

Avoiding Human-Bear Conflicts 

Roughly 14,000 hungry black bears are waking up and ending their winter fast, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).  As they compete for scarce spring vegetation, human sightings and interactions increase.  In addition, encroachment of housing developments and businesses into bear habitat increases the likelihood of meeting a bear in your backyard.   

The PGC recommends the removal of bird feeders to reduce the odds of a hungry bear visiting your property.  For those who insist on feeding songbirds in the summer, Pennsylvania Audubon suggests avoiding sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar mixes, and suet.  Bird feeders should be brought in at night or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from anything a bear can climb. 

A 2003 regulation prohibits intentionally laying or placing food, fruit, hay, grain, chemicals, salt or other minerals that may cause bears to congregate or orient them to an area.  Normal or accepted farming, habitat management practices, oil and gas drilling, mining, forest management activities or other legitimate commercial or industrial practices are an exception.   

The PGC advises against feeding pets outdoors and proposes waiting to put out garbage until pick-up day.  To find more tips on avoiding a bear confrontation; what to do if you encounter a bear; and additional information on the "ursus americanus" or black bear, consult the PGC's webpage, Connecting You with Wildlife.   

Unclaimed Property Scam 

If it belongs to you, don't pay someone to get it back is the message coming from the PA Office of Attorney General (OAG) as it files suit against a deceptive and misleading "unclaimed money" search service and website.   

A Massachusetts man with no affiliation to any government agency is charged under a consumer protection lawsuit with operating a scam under unclaimedmoney.us.com, Unclaimed Money Database, Unclaimed Money and the Modeling Group, according to the PA OAG.   

The scam offers a deceptive search indicating unclaimed property exists but without specific details.  The user is told with a $24.95 membership the service will provide complete details — which does not happen.  The claimant pays but instead of unclaimed property or money, the most they may receive is a list of free websites that could be accessed without a membership.  

If you attempted unsuccessfully to do business through this website, contact the OAG's Bureau of Consumer Protection toll-free hotline at 1-800-441-2555- or file an online complaint. 

Consumers are urged by the OAG to log onto the Pennsylvania Treasury Department's free online search for unclaimed property.  In addition, a cooperative website project, MissingMoney.com, involves many states and is also free to consumers.   

Prepare for Spring & Summer Weather Extremes 

Spring and summer bring the threat of storms, power outages, floods, and hurricanes.  That is the reminder being delivered by emergency management officials as variable spring weather spreads across Pennsylvania.   

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommend that all families store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water.  Include a manual can opener and eating utensils in your emergency supplies kit.   

Supply suggestions include avoiding salty foods, as they will make you thirsty.  Select foods your family will eat.  Include ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.  Other recommended emergency supplies include: 

• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

Be sure to include one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.  Consult PEMA and the DHS to ensure you are prepared for a possible emergency.  The PA Department of Health offers links to a host of Flood Disaster, Safety, & Recovery Resources. 

Payday Loan Pitfalls 

Anyone considering a "payday loan" to cover an unexpected expense such as a car repair or a medical emergency is encouraged by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking (DOB) to first understand the terms and conditions.   

Typically, payday loan borrowers are charged a flat fee ranging from $15 to $30 per $100 borrowed, the equivalent of an annual percentage rate of 300 to 1,000 percent.  A $300 loan with a fee of $20 per $100 becomes $360 when it is repaid.  Extend the loan another week and the fee becomes $120 and the total payoff becomes $420.  Multiple payday loans may find the borrower caught in a vicious cycle of stifling fees heaped upon the original value of the loan.   

The PA DOB recommends exploring less expensive options.  Negotiating with creditors, such as doctors, pharmacies, and utility companies, should be a first option.  Special arrangements with creditors can be preferable.  Seeking emergency funds from a church or community-based program is another alternative to a payday loan.  Consult the DOB's "The Truth about Payday Loans" for more on payday loans and alternatives.  The DOB offers a variety of consumer-oriented information on financial issues important to Pennsylvanians. 

Noxious Weed Reporting 

In recent years, it was kudzu that brought much consternation to PA agriculturalists, conservation officials, Penn State extension agents, and professional horticulturists.  Concerns in 2008 include the distribution of the noxious weed Mile-a-Minute.

First discovered in York County in 1946, Mile-a-Minute reached widespread distribution in the last century; twenty-five counties were affected.  The PDA reports ten additional counties joined that list between 2000 and 2007.   

Kudzu was recognized as a noxious weed in 1989.  However, the 2006-07 Pilot Kudzu Eradication Program indicates sites in PA date back to the late 1930s and were planted for soil stabilization and other recommend uses.   

You can help prevent the spread of noxious weeds throughout the Commonwealth.  Hand-removal, chemical spraying, and mowing the invasive before it produces seed can achieve positive results.  The PDA provides a Noxious Weed Complaint Form you can submit to the Department to assist with the state's eradication efforts.   

The DC&NR offers a list of some of the most troublesome species threatening native plants to help prevent the spread of invasive plants. 

Deaths Due to Aggressive Driving Increase 

Fatalities attributable to aggressive driving increased from 913 to 971 in 2007, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PADOT).  Fifty-eight additional lives were lost, adding to the total of 4,640 killed over the past five years due to the actions of aggressive drivers.   

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.  Aggressive drivers are seen running red lights, ignoring stop signs, passing on the right, and attempting improper and unsafe lane changes.   

NHTSA offers tips on identifying aggressive drivers and what to do when confronted by one.  The economic impact of speeding hits our wallets hard.  NHTSA says fuel consumption increases steadily above 45 mph with passenger cars and light trucks using approximately 50 percent more fuel travelling at 75 mph than they do at 55 mph. 

The number of alcohol-related deaths and unbuckled fatalities dropped last year.  Consult the PADOT announcement. 

Privacy Policy
2006 © Senate of Pennsylvania