Always carry your 9mm, 40, 10mm or 45acp with you and your single-shot muzzleloader.

I always thought bears go into hibernation by PA's late ML season and even Michigan's December ML hunt dates. Unless someone were to enter their den, then the deep-sleep lethargy with cold weather bears should continue until late March at-least.

But then-again, I'm not an expert on bears in northern climates.