Be Bear Wise as warm weather eventually arrives

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – The South Bruce OPP is reminding residents to take simple precautions this spring to prevent attracting black bears as they come out of hibernation.
 
The potential for human-bear conflict increases when there is little natural food available for bears. If this happens, black bears will search for other food sources, such as garbage and bird feed, which can draw bears to populated areas.
 
Follow these instructions to minimize the chances of attracting bears:
 

• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Put out garbage only on the morning of pick-up.
• Put away bird feeders; seed, suet and nectar attract bears.
• Pick fruits and berries as they ripen; don't let them rot on the ground.
• Clean outdoor barbecue grills after each use, including the grease trap underneath; bears will be drawn by smells from great distances, including grease and food residue on grills. 
• Keep dogs on leash; sometimes bears will follow off-leash dogs back to you.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police. The police may request support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to respond to emergency situations, on a case-by-case basis.
 
For non-emergencies, the ministry operates the toll-free, 24/7 Bear Reporting Line (1-866-514-2327) and the Bear Wise website to provide the public with information and advice.
 
Quick Facts:
 

• Bears will remember their last source of food and return there when hungry, sometimes travelling more than 100 kilometres.
• Since 2004, Ontario’s Bear Wise program has been educating people about bears, how to avoid attracting bears and how to prevent human-bear conflicts.
• The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the OPP have agreed on the roles and responsibilities for both organizations to help the public understand which organization to contact when they encounter a bear.