(AGENPARL) – lun 03 aprile 2023 [Ontario Logo]
NEWS RELEASE
Be Bear Wise to Prevent Bear Encounters
Public should exercise caution as bears come out of hibernation
April 03, 2023
The Ontario government and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) remind you to exercise caution as black bears begin to come out of hibernation this spring.
Bears waking from hibernation face a lack of natural food sources, leading them to look for food in garbage cans and bird feeders.
You can prevent bears from visiting your home and neighbourhood by:
– Storing garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids (indoors if possible)
– Waiting until pickup day to put out garbage
– Taking away bird feeders for the spring and summer (you can offer birds natural alternatives, such as flowers, nesting boxes and fresh water)
– Cleaning food residue and grease from outdoor barbecue grills – including grease traps – after each use
– Keeping pet food indoors
Bears entering your community 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). The line is open 24/7 from April 1 to November 30.
If a bear is posing an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, remain calm and call 911 or your local police department.
Quick Facts
– Bears will remember their last source of food and return there when hungry, sometimes travelling over 100 kilometres.
Additional Resources
Media Contacts
Media Desk
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2106
Bill Dickson
Acting Manager Media Relations, OPP
613-285-2752
Melissa Candelaria
Minister’s Office
647-448-7652
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