North Bay Police Advising Residents About Active Bears

Ontario is home to between 75,000 to 100,000 black bears; one of the largest populations in North America. Here in the 705, black bears are emerging from hibernation, so residents are being advised to be aware.

Last week, North Bay Police issued a news release stating that bears are being spotted on local trails and in neighbourhoods. They urge local residents to review bear safety information and speak with children and youth who may be walking to and from school.

If a bear sees you:

1. Do not approach the bear
2. Slowly back away toward a school or house while keeping the bear in sight
3. Do not turn and run

If a bear moves toward you:

1. Slowly back away while making noise, do not run
2. Remove and drop your backpack if it contains food
3. Yell at the bear to go away
4. Do not “play dead”

Bears are attracted to areas where food is easily available. Common attractants include:

1. Garbage and recycling
2. Cooking smells
3. Ripe fruit and pet food left outdoors

If bears find food in a neighbourhood, they are likely to return and may attempt to enter buildings.

The best way to prevent conflict is to remove attractants.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has provided the following safety tips:

Do not approach the bear.

1. If the bear is in a tree, leave it alone and leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
2. Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
3. Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.
4. Only ever play dead if you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.
5. Get inside a building or vehicle, if possible.
6. Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.

Do not:

1. Run, climb a tree or swim.
2. Kneel down.
3. Make direct eye contact.
4. Approach the bear to get a better look.
5. Attempt to feed a bear.
6. Let your dog off its leash.

If a bear attacks:

1. Fight back with everything you have.
2. Do not play dead unless you are sure you are being attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.

Who to call if you see a bear:

If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police.

• Non-emergency (report bear sightings): 1-866-514-2327
• TTY: 705-945-7641

For more information and learning resources, visit Bear Wise.