A bear attack led to the death of a 20-pound terrier mix dog in Mahoning Township on Saturday, according to police.

A resident of Westside Road reported the dog's death, after the body was found on Fairview Drive, police said.A necropsy determined the cause of death was a bear attack."We haven't received any complaints, but a resident who lives near the intersection of Spring Hill Road and Orioles Drive, just northeast of where the dog was killed, reported seeing a mother and two cubs in the area," said Mahoning Township Police Chief Audie Mertz.Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer Cory Bentzoni said he was at the scene of the attack on Monday.The dog's skull was crushed, Bentzoni said, meaning the cause of death was either a vehicle accident or a strong impact from an animal."The trail of blood started in the yard, leading us to believe this was a bear attack," Bentzoni said.The area is a residential development, but is bordered by woods with a stream."It's actually a very good bear habitat," Bentzoni said. "There probably wouldn't be a large number in that area, but they will be visiting."Residents in the area reported seeing a bear in the area several times over the past month. The biggest thing drawing it to the area, Bentzoni said, is a food source."If there is a garbage can where it knows it can get food, it will be around."On Facebook, readers reported seeing bears throughout the region. Rachel Oswald said she has seen a bear and two cubs in Mahoning Heights. "It steals our garbage occasionally and my dog chased the cubs around the end of June."Zac Keys said he has seen a bear in Union Hill and Courtney VanFossen said. "A bear and two cubs make their way down toward Jamestown Drive on occasion."Bentzoni set a trap in the area of Fairview Drive on Monday afternoon, but has yet to see any results."After the incident, the bear may have felt like this wasn't a safe place for her and her cubs anymore, so we may not see results," Bentzoni said.Residents are asked to eliminate any outdoor food sources such as garbage cans or bird feeders if they wish to keep the bear away."If they can keep the garbage can locked in a shed or garage, that would be the best bet," Bentzoni said.