Be Bear Wise to Prevent Bear Encounters

The Ontario government and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding the public to exercise caution as black bears come out of hibernation.  With this winter’s mild weather and lack of snow, there have been reports of black bears coming out of hibernation early in some parts of the province.

At this time of year, there is little natural food for bears, causing them to search for other food sources, including garbage and bird feed. Bears will remember their last source of food and return there when hungry, sometimes travelling over 100 kilometres.

Take these simple precautions to prevent attracting bears to your home and neighbourhood and keep bears in the wild where they belong:

• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids (indoors if possible)
• Wait until pickup day to put out garbage – have garbage and recycling out by 7 am
• Remove bird feeders for the spring and summer (you can offer birds natural alternatives, such as flowers, nesting boxes and fresh water)
• Clean food residue and grease from outdoor barbecue grills – including grease traps – after each use
• Keep pet food indoors
• Walk dogs on a leash. Unleashed dogs can lead bears back to owners and cause defensive bear attacks on people.

Bears entering your neighbourhood are not necessarily a threat, but it is important to know who to call if you encounter one. The province operates a non-emergency, toll-free Bear Wise reporting line (1-866-514-2327). Because of the unseasonably warm weather this year, the line is open early, from March 1 to November 30 and is available 24/7.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, remain calm and call 911 or your local police department.

Visit Bear Wise to learn more about how to avoid attracting bears and what to do if you encounter one.