The Ontario government is reminding residents to be aware of bear sightings in the
Northern portion of the Township of the Archipelago (north of the Town of Parry Sound), and to take the necessary steps to avoid attracting bears into local neighbourhoods.
In the past 8 weeks there have been over 30 bear sightings in the Pointe Au Baril area including sightings in the Ojibway Island area. Of these reported incidents, several involved attractants such as unsecured household and food waste, open windows, and bird feeders.
It’s important to note that the same bear can result in multiple sightings. The Ontario government is reminding the public that bears are often attracted to things such as garbage, bird food including suet, seed and nectar, odours from barbeques and ripe fruit left on trees or the ground. Removing these attractants can help keep bears out of the area.
Currently, natural foods for bears in this area are below average. When the availability of natural foods is limited, bears will look for alternative food sources, often in populated communities. When bears cannot gain access to non-natural foods such as garbage, they will not stay in the area.
If You Encounter A Black Bear
Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm.
Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal.
Do
- Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
- Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.
- Prepare to use bear spray.
- Get inside a building or vehicle, if you are nearby, as a precaution.
- Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
- Leave a bear alone if it is in a tree. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
- Play dead only if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.
Do not
- Run, climb a tree or swim.
- Kneel down.
- Make direct eye contact.
- Approach the bear to get a better look.
- Attempt to feed a bear.
- Let your dog off its leash.
- Play dead unless you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.
If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police at 705-746-4225. For advice about reducing bear attractants, call the Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY: 705-945-7641). You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season, open this year from March 17 to November 30.
