The “Bear” Necessities Encounters with wildlife are an inevitable part of living in northern Ontario but it can be extremely dangerous if you don’t have your wits about you.
One of the most potentially dangerous animals you can come across is the black bear. Your first line of defense is to not attract them in the first place – that means being careful with food in your campground or around your property. Trash, barbecues, and even compost can smell like a buffet to a bear, so keep your nom-noms in a secure place far away from where you are camping, and NEVER eat in your tent. The same goes for toiletries! Because of the minty scent, bears have been known to snack on items like toothpaste and deodorant (Ewww!). Even small food scraps can be tempting to critters, so be thorough when it comes to cleaning up. yoIf u 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 it. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal.
- Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and waiting 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.
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 (Check your yard for the presence of a black bear before letting your dogs out.)
- Play dead unless you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.
Here are some great websites for more info: https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise
https://www.northernontario.travel/rv-canada/bear-safety-tips-for-rvers-in-ontario
