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Bear sightings increasing as hibernation nears

Studying bears may help send humans to Mars
black-bear
A black bear. Valerie Domaine, Parks Canada.

The OPP and MNRF continue to receive calls regarding a bears with cubs throughout the northeast.

See: Bear sighting on Ski Club road

A sow with her cubs is generally not aggressive unless the sow or cubs feel threatened says a news release.

Bear encounters with humans sometimes involve pets so if you are out with a dog, keep it on a leash. Uncontrolled, untrained dogs may actually lead a bear to you.

You should limit potential sources of food on your property which may include garbage. One of the popular food sources for bears this time of year is apples. Pick and dispose of any apples on your property so the bears are not attracted and then may move on to other natural food sources.

Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are doing activities outside like hiking, jogging, cycling, gardening, berry picking or camping where bears may not realize you are there.

Do not wear headphones. Make noise when you move through heavily wooded areas, especially if you are near a stream or waterfall, where bears may not hear you.

If you see bears, provide as much distance as possible, ensure there is an area they can retreat to and slowly back away. Contact Bear Hotline at 1-866-514-2327 for any non-emergency bear contact.

The website Yellowstone Forever says studying bears may help send humans to Mars.

"We have heard since childhood that bears 'sleep' through the winter, but in fact they are awake and in a reduced metabolic state," it states. "Yellowstone bears go months without performing the usual bodily functions, and their breathing and heart rates slow significantly. This has inspired scientists to explore putting astronauts into 'hibernation' for long space voyages to Mars or beyond!"