Police issue alert after black bear spotted roaming Owen Sound

A sign warning of a bear in the area is shown in this file image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amy Smart

Police in Owen Sound are alerting the public after a black bear was spotted roaming in various areas of the city on Thursday morning.

It was last observed on the lower east side. Owen Sound police say the Ministry of Natural Resources has been notified about the incident.

Officers are asking residents to refrain from approaching the bear. If you come across a black bear, the ministry advises you to stop and remain calm. Do not panic.

“Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal,” states the Ministry of Natural Resources on its website.

The community is asked to call police if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour.

Non-emergency encounters can be reported to the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.