Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning residents about a bear seen in Erin, Ont. on Wednesday. Wellington OPP was informed of a small black bear walking through a residential area near Pine Ridge Road around 9 p.m. They said nothing was damaged aside from a few bird feeders that were knocked over. OPP have reassured that bears coming into neighbourhoods aren’t always threats to public safety, as long as precautions against startling or threatening the bear are taken. They said it’s best to keep away from the bear and not block their way or exits. Getting inside as soon as a bear is spotted is recommended. OPP said to warn others in the area about the bear and ensure children and pets are indoors. Dogs should be on a leash. If a bear had been attracted to the area previously, OPP recommended any garbage or food that they were interested it be removed. What to do if a bear approaches OPP have warned the public to always be cautious around a bear. It’s best to: Bears become more common in the area during bear season, from April 1 to November 30. OPP said bear attacks are rare but if a bear becomes an immediate threat, to call 911 or OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Call Bear Wise toll-fire at 1-866-514-2327 for advice on how to avoid encounters. Wildlife expert weighs in Bill Dowd from Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control said bear sightings around this time of the year are not uncommon. “We’re kind of in the dog days of summer, and bears are looking to put on weight. As they know hibernation winter is coming, so they want to eat as much as possible,” Dowd said. Dowd said bears and other wildlife are known to make their way into town as food sources dwindle. “Looking for food sources, bird feeders or garbage, or any other fruits or vegetables they may find within the city limits,” he said. Officials are urging people to take precautions. “You don’t want to be putting garbage out the night before, because that’s when animals are out foraging for food,” said Dowd. In a statement, the Ministry of Natural Resources said they received two reports of bear sightings on July 16. “While black bears are not commonly found in this area, it is within their habitat range, and bears may occasionally be seen,” a statement from the Ministry said, in part.
