Greene's New Game Warden

Greene’s New Game Warden

by Jessica Price

Christopher Bence was a student at IUP, studying criminology and homeland security, following in the path of his father, a long-time police officer. One semester he needed to choose an elective class and opted for a biology class, inspired by his longtime love for the outdoors.

During his time in that class he listened to a Pennsylvania State Game Warden speak about his job, and realized he needed to steer his future into a slightly different direction. After this encounter he began pursuing the path to become a Pennsylvania State Game Warden. After graduating from IUP in May 2017, Bence then enrolled in the Ross Lefler School of Conservation. Located in Harrisburg, this school is reserved for those who will become state game wardens. While there he participated in classes and training exercises to learn about wild life laws, law enforcement principals, public relations and conservation. Bence graduated from this program in February of 2019. After graduation, he was asked to rank counties in Pennsylvania where he would like to start his career. Bence said he wanted somewhere “Rural, definitely not near a big city like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.” Greene County fit those requirements, and he was assigned to be the Pennsylvania State Game Warden for primarily the western half of Greene County, although you will also find him assisting Fayette County Game Warden, Charles Shuster, with the eastern half.

Bence describes a week on the job here in Greene County as “very malleable,” saying that, “No two days are the same.” He spends a lot of time responding to calls about animals being a nuisance to people and theirhomes or livestock. He addresses situations where animals have been bitten, foxes have gotten into chicken coops, beavers have damaged property, raccoons acting suspiciously, and more. He also responds to situations involving poaching, or illegal hunting, and ATVs being unlawfully driven on state game lands. Chris cautions that, “driving ATVs on state game lands decimates the landscape.” Failing to obey this law will result in a fine. During hunting season, you will find him ensuring all hunters are educated, safe, and law-abiding.

All Pennsylvania State Game Wardens are also Pennsylvania State Police Officers, but they serve as conservation experts as well. Bence describes his time during the nonhunting months of February to September as public relations time. During this time, he visits schools, clubs, fairs, and events to educate the public on a number of conservation and wildlife topics. In March of this year he visited the Town & Garden Country Club where he spoke about Greene County’s increasing coyote population. He brought coyote pelts for members to observe and answered questions. In April, he visited the Enlow Fork Wildflower Walk site and spoke with visitors. If you are interested in Bence speaking with your group this summer or fall, he can be reached through his office at 724-238- 9523. The Pennsylvania Game Commission website also has an education section where you can find activities and resources for both children and adults.