Minden Hills residents are being advised of recent bear sightings

Bear sighting in this undated image.

Residents of Minden Hills are being advised of recent bear sightings reported near residential areas.

Local authorities have been notified, and the Township is reminding the public of safety procedures in the event of a bear encounter.

If you spot a bear, especially one rummaging through a garbage or wandering near a home, it is important to report the sighting. Non-emergency sightings should be directed to the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.

However, if a bear is acting aggressively or poses an immediate threat to personal safety, the town asks you to call 911.

In line with safety advice from Parks Canada, avoiding an encounter is always the best approach. Here are a few things to remember if you encounter a black bear:

• Make noise as you move through wooded areas, particularly near streams, berry patches, or in dense vegetation. Clap your hands, sing, or talk loudly.
• Watch for signs such as tracks, droppings, or overturned logs. If signs are fresh, leave the area immediately.
• Keep pets on a leash. Dogs can provoke aggressive behaviour in bears and should not be brought into bear-prone backcountry areas.
• Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.

Not every bear sighting is an emergency situation. Bears are smart, curious, powerful and potentially dangerous, according to the Government of Ontario. If you are a hiker, cyclist, jogger, berry picker or you plan to spend some time outdoors, alert bears to your presence so they can avoid you.