Hunters took 2,995 bears during the three-day season, including 149 during the extended hunting period in the Poconos, according to preliminary numbers released Tuesday by the Game Commission.

Seventeen of the bears taken were more than 600 pounds, and three weighed in above 800 pounds.

"Our bear hunters had a fine season," Game Commission executive director Vern Ross said. "The harvest is the third best in Commonwealth history and provided an unprecedented three 800-pound black bears. The state's four largest black bear harvests since 1915 have occurred over the past four years. Bear hunting couldn't be better here. "

The highest harvest on record was 3,075 bears in 2000. The 2001 harvest was second with 3,062.

All three 800-pounders were taken the morning of Dec. 1, with the two largest both being shot in Dingman Township, Pike County. Douglas Kristiansen, of Milford, took the biggest bear, weighing 864 pounds. The second-largest, at 837 pounds, was taken by Ray R. Reper, of Branchville, N.J.

The season's fourth-largest bear, weighing 725 pounds, was taken by 14-year-old Benjamin A. Long, of Coudersport. Long and his father were hunting together in Sweden Township, Potter County, when the bear was flushed and came running toward them.

"At first I couldn't see it, but I heard it running down toward me. It was about 75 yards in front of me, and then it stopped when it saw us," Long said. "It was the first bear I ever saw while hunting. In fact, when I first saw it, I didn't think he was a very big bear."

Lycoming County had the most bears taken with 200.