Province launches Bear Wise program

A tollfree number has been set up as part of the province's nuisance bear management program.
Further details are included in the following news release issued Tuesday by the Ministry of Natural Resources:
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TORONTO
The McGuinty government has established a toll-free hotline as part of a new Bear Wise strategy to help manage nuisance black bears and make communities safer, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today, delivering on a promise he made in December.

“People can call toll free 1-866-514-BEAR (2327) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report nuisance bear problems,” said Ramsay. “This is real positive change that will go a long way toward easing the minds of people living in bear country and make our communities safer.”

The new phone line will handle nuisance bear situations. In emergencies, the public should call 911 or police for assistance.

“The best defence again nuisance bears is education and prevention,” said Ramsay. “Simple actions such as bear-proofing your garbage, not leaving pet food outside and cleaning outdoor grills can make a big difference in minimizing nuisance bear activities.”

The Bear Wise strategy is based on four cornerstones – reporting and response, prevention, education and awareness, and prevention – as the best way to reduce nuisance bear activity.

Ministry staff have also met with more than 200 communities across Ontario and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police to discuss ways of working together to prevent nuisance bear problems.

“We all have a role to play in reducing human-bear conflicts,” said Ramsay.

“By increasing awareness of how to avoid unintentionally feeding bears, we will drastically reduce nuisance bear activity which will improve the quality of life of everyone living in bear country.”