There has been a bear sighting in the area of several schools and walking trails in West Ferris, the North Bay Police Service confirms.
Community Safety Coordinator, Special Cst. John Schultz advises NBPS has received two bear complaints in the last week — including one at the end of Massey Drive in West Ferris — reported Wednesday morning. Schultz says the other complaint originated north of the airport area.
As a result of the sighting, in an abundance of caution, Silver Birches Elementary School will alter its plans to hold its Terry Fox event today. The students were to walk in the neighbourhood while observing social distancing and raising funds for the cause through student donations.
"Silver Birches is aware of a bear sighting near West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary, writes Principal Alison Herst-Jackson in a letter to parents, also shared to the school's Facebook page. "The bear was noticed by a local resident and it was not on school property. WFSS administration walked the property Thursday and did not see any traces of the animal."
The schools are within walking distance, separated by houses, Parks Creek, and various wooded areas.
"There was a plan to go for a walk tomorrow to honour Terry Fox. Our plans will be changed/restricted due to this new information," writes Herst-Jackson.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources bears usually avoid humans however they are attracted to urban and rural areas to get food. Many of the calls this fall include backyards where there are apple trees or where garbage has been left out. Bears enjoy eating from a non-natural food source (like garbage or bird food) so please remove or secure the items that attract bears.
When to call police about bears:
Call 911 if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety. Emergencies might be when a bear enters a schoolyard when school is in session, enters or tries to enter a residence, wanders into a public gathering, kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site, or stalks people and lingers at the site.
For non-emergencies, call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327. This number is for when a bear is roaming around, checking garbage cans, breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored, in a tree, pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue, or moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering.
If you encounter a bear. Do not panic. Remain calm. Do not try to get closer to the bear for a better look or picture. Slowly back away removing yourself from the area to access a building or vehicle.
For more information on bear wise tips, click here.
