Police in Sault Ste. Marie played host to a “bear-y unusual visitor” last week when a black bear was spotted climbing a utility pole directly in front of their Police Services Building on Second Line East. The local police service said officers were quick to respond to the unexpected situation, which unfolded in broad daylight on July 29, and drew attention from those in the area. “Officers monitored the situation from a safe distance to ensure everyone’s safety,” the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said in a social media post detailing the incident. Police said the bear eventually made its way back down from the pole without assistance. “(Officers) then escorted our furry visitor off the property and back toward the woods,” the police said, confirming that the interaction concluded peacefully – with no people or bears injured during the encounter. Common enough in northern Ontario While the sight of a bear scaling a utility pole in front of a police station may seem extraordinary, authorities were quick to contextualize the event for the public as black bear sightings are not uncommon in northern Ontario. Police added that the animals frequently roam through both rural and urban areas in search of food. The police service used the opportunity to remind residents about proper behaviour when encountering these animals. “The best thing to do is give bears plenty of space and avoid approaching or feeding them,” police wrote. Available resources for bear encounters Ontario maintains a dedicated program to help residents and visitors navigate situations involving black bears. The province’s Bear Wise program provides comprehensive information on preventing conflicts with black bears, staying safe during encounters and understanding what steps to take when one is spotted. For non-emergency bear reports, a toll-free line (1-866-514-2327) is available around the clock. Residents who see a bear in their neighbourhood, near their property, or passing through an area without posing an immediate danger are encouraged to use this service to report the sighting and receive guidance on how to proceed. When to call for emergency assistance The public is also reminded that there are circumstances where a bear sighting requires an immediate emergency response and to call 911 if there is an imminent threat to public safety, such as a bear displaying aggressive behaviour, entering a building, or otherwise creating a situation where people are in immediate danger. For those seeking more information about living safely alongside black bears, visit the Be Bear Wise section of Ontario.ca.
