<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0206</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2013-02-22</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>0</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000700863</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>SUSQ</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001384485</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>Harrington Michael W</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>SUSQUEHANNA BANCSHARES, INC.</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>26 N. CEDAR STREET</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LITITZ</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>PA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>17543</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
            <officerTitle>EVP, Treasurer</officerTitle>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>6983.4411</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <derivativeTable>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Restricted Stock Units</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <footnoteId id="F2"/>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <footnoteId id="F1"/>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>13333</value>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
        <derivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Stock Option</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <value>9.85</value>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <exerciseDate>
                <value>2015-06-19</value>
                <footnoteId id="F3"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <value>2022-06-19</value>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>25000</value>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeHolding>
    </derivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">The restricted stock units vest one half on December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2014 (each a &quot;Vesting Date&quot;); provided that (i) the executive continues to be employed by, or provide a service to, Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. through the Vesting Date, and (ii) the Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. Profit Trigger (as defined in the grant agreement governing the restricted stock unit grant) is achieved.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">Each restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. common stock. Grant made under the Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">Vests one-third at end of years 3, 4, and 5 (6/19/2015; 6/19/2016; 6/19/2017). Grant made under and subject to the terms of the Susqsuehanna Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Compensation Plan.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ Carl D. Lundblad, attorney-in-fact for Mr. Harrington</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2013-02-27</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
