Bear in mind!

OPP are responding to numerous nuisance bear complaints in residential areas and are advising the public to be cautious when outdoors. 

Garbage should be secured inside a structured building at all times and not placed at curb side until the morning of scheduled pick up.  Do not feed the bears under any circumstances; this will condition them to return for food.

The potential for human-bear conflicts increases when there is little natural food available for bears (bears rely heavily on wild berries and nut crops. If these natural foods are scarce, they’re attracted to a variety of urban food sources). If this happens, black bears will search for other food sources, such as garbage and bird feed, which can draw bears to populated areas.

Follow these simple instructions to minimize the chances of attracting bears:

• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Put garbage out only on the morning of pickup.
• Put away bird feeders. Seed, suet and nectar (humming bird feeders) also attract bears.
• Pick fruits and berries as they ripen — don’t let them rot on the ground.
• Clean outdoor barbecue grills after each use, including the grease trap underneath. Bears will be drawn by smells from great distances, including grease and food residue on grills.
• Make loud noises to scare the bear away.

Bears that enter a populated area aren’t necessarily a threat to public safety. Public safety is at risk when a bear poses an immediate threat to your safety.

The OPP will only respond to a problem bear call if there is an immediate threat to public safety. Otherwise, landowners should call the Bear Wise hotline – 1-866-514-2327 or Bear Wise Website to receive information on how to make their property less attractive to problem bears.

The OPP does not have the necessary equipment or training to re-locate problem bears. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR) has indicated that the re-location of problems bears is not an effective solution.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 for police assistance. For non-emergencies, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry operates the above toll-free number which provides the public with information and advice.

Should a home/landowner or Police kill a bear, the person is responsible to do so in a safe manner. The disposal of the carcass is the land owner’s responsibility and the MNR must be contacted to report the shooting and/or for a notice of possession.