Be bear safe, province reminds

The province and OPP are reminding everyone to do their part to prevent attracting black bears as they come out of hibernation this spring.

With little natural food at this time of year, bears search for other sources, such as garbage and bird feed. Bears have excellent memories and will return to where they have found food in the past, sometimes travelling more than 100 kilometres.

Here’s some bear safety tips:

• Never feed or approach bears
• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids, preferably indoors
• Wait until pickup day to put out garbage for collection
• Remove bird feeders for the spring and summer (instead you can offer birds natural alternatives such as flowers, nesting boxes or fresh water)
• Clean food residue from outdoor barbecue grills and grease traps after each use
• Keep dogs on leash and store pet food indoors
• Alert your neighbours about bear activity and share these Bear Wise tips to reduce attractants in your community

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

The province operates a non-emergency, toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327. The line operates from April 1 to November 30 and is available 24/7. Visit ontario.ca/BearWise to learn more.

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