The Greater Sudbury Police Service wants to remind the public of on-going complaints involving bears.
The following information and additional details on the Bear Wise Program are available on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ website – www.bears.mnr.gov.on.ca and on the GSPS website – www.gsps.ca under `Let us help you – Bear Wise`.
Black bears are extremely hungry at this time of year and due to an unusual longer winter season, their natural food source may be more scarce than in previous years; as a result, they will come into the community because food sources are made available to them by citizens. Bears have an amazing sense of smell and are attracted to recently used barbeques, garbage containers, compost bins, bird feeders and pet food.
In order to prevent the presence of bears in your neighbourhood, everyone must be pro-active and be mindful of the following tips:
-1- Whenever possible, put your garbage to the curb the day of pick-up instead of the night before.
-2- Store your barbeque in a safe place, where bears cannot get at it. Clean your barbeque immediately after every use. Wash the grill or burn off the smell, food residue and grease.
-3- Do not put fruits, vegetables, meat products, fish or dairy products into your outdoor compost. Only grass and hedge clippings should be placed in outdoor compost bins in bear country.
-4- If you must leave pet food outside or want to set up bird feeders, make every effort to keep them where bears cannot access them.
** Once bears find a non-natural food source, they will return again and again. **
Preventing confrontations with bears:
A bear may display defensive behaviours towards humans if:
• it is scared, intimidated / harassed (for example, a person or dog enters its personal space);
• it is defending its food (carcass, garbage) or their cubs;
• the bear’s escape route is cut off.
If you encounter a bear:
Remain calm - Often the bear is just passing through. If it doesn’t find a food source, it will move on.
Drop any food you are carrying - empty your pockets, drop your lunch or backpack to the ground.
Slowly back away - Don’t turn your back. Do not run.
Warn others to keep away - Make loud noises.
Tell your neighbours a bear is in the area.
To report a bear problem:
Emergency, call 9-1-1 (Police)
Non-emergency, call 1-866-514-2327 (Ministry of Natural Resources)
Encourage your neighbours to practice Bear Wise habits
– it takes everyone working together to keep bears away!