A young black bear was found perched on the roof of a home in Carlisle on Monday morning, prompting a response from local animal control authorities. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. at a two-story residence on West Street, where the homeowner, Ken Kulsa, heard what sounded like footsteps above him before discovering the animal.

Kulsa initially thought someone might be on his roof, but upon stepping outside, he came face to face with the bear precariously positioned near the edge above his kitchen. He said there was no apparent reason for the bear to be there, noting that no food had been left outside or prepared in the home that morning.

Concerned for the bear’s safety and his own property, Kulsa carefully observed the animal, which appeared frightened. He avoided startling it to prevent the possibility of the bear breaking through one of the skylights. Kulsa took several photos, later confirmed by Animal Control Officer Mark Cianci to be of a juvenile black bear estimated to be between one and two years old and weighing about 100 pounds.

Officer Cianci, who oversees animal control for the Carlisle Police Department, said the bear remained on the roof for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before returning to the nearby woods. The bear likely accessed the roof by climbing a tree that overhangs the house. Cianci described the bear’s behavior as unusual, given that bears typically seek out areas where food is readily available, though the neighborhood’s proximity to extensive conservation land leads to frequent wildlife sightings.

The officer added that the primary concern with an animal of this size centers on the presence of its mother, which could pose a greater risk. Otherwise, this bear’s exploration seemed to stem from curiosity rather than aggression.

For Kulsa, the experience was less endearing. He expressed plans to trim the overhanging tree to prevent future visits from wildlife. The unexpected encounter highlighted the occasional challenges of living near natural habitats where wildlife and residential areas intersect.