NATURE

The Pennsylvania Game Commission investigated at least five hunting related shooting incidents during the two-week rifle deer season that resulted in two deaths and three injuries.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission said that deer are becoming increasingly active this time of year and motorists should be alert to animals moving near roadways.

The deciduous tree bears North America’s largest native fruit, and supports the zebra swallowtail butterfly — a species that has all but disappeared from the Pittsburgh region.

The city of Erie is seeking the public’s input on a proposed comprehensive, multiyear plan for enhancing the city’s public parks.

With summer now in the rearview mirror, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced that state parks saw an increase in attendance during the season to the tune of nearly 25 million visitors.

Samantha Bartlett, 14, of Oil City, used her crossbow to harvest a bull elk September 16 in northcentral Pennsylvania. She won one of only 16 archery bull elk tags in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s annual license drawing. Overall, only 140 elk licenses were awarded this year over three hunting seasons.

When and where to see peak foliage across the state this fall.

The state has plans to make improvements to the trail, which closed in 2019 after a series of fatal falls.

The Raccoon Creek State Park beach was the 41st Best Beach on Frugal Flyer’s list of 95 hidden gems, which was constructed from a survey of 3,002 responses.

Throughout the state, there are plenty of places to enjoy a relaxing float down the water with your friends in an inner tube.