Wildlife in its natural habitat: your backyard

A black bear cub eating black oil bird seed on Brock Street in Barrie May 29, 2020. PHOTO: CHERYL BROWNE

Increased wildlife activity in the Georgian Bluffs area has been reported lately, including both coyote and bear sightings.

While most wild animals avoid human contact, many will be scavenging for food during the spring.

“Wildlife sightings are common in Georgian Bluffs, especially during the spring when animals are more active searching for food, establishing territories, and caring for their young,” says Riel Warrilow, environmental initiatives officer with Georgian Bluffs Township.

“You can help keep people, pets, and wildlife safe by taking simple steps to avoid attracting animals into residential areas,” he said.

Coyotes, black bears, deer, raccoons, and other wildlife are natural to this area.

Residents are most likely to encounter wildlife during the early morning, late evening, or overnight hours.

You can help reduce unwanted wildlife encounters by:

• Keeping garbage, compost, and recycling bins secured.
• Storing pet food indoors and tidying up bird seed or fallen fruit from yards and gardens.
• Never feeding wildlife.
• Supervising pets when outdoors and following local leash laws
• Giving wildlife plenty of space and never approaching or attempting to interact with wild animals.

If you encounter a coyote or bear, stay calm, keep your distance, and slowly back away. Make yourself appear large, make noise, and never run.

Bears and coyotes generally avoid humans but may react unpredictably if they feel threatened or are protecting food or young.

You can report bear sightings to the Province’s Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 when there is a non-emergency concern about a bear.

If a wild animal poses an immediate threat to public safety, contact the OPP at 519-794-7827 or call 911 in an emergency.