Northern Ont. police have received 65 bear calls so far in September

Human and bear interactions have kept police busy so far this month, with the Superior East Ontario Provincial Police reporting 65 such calls so far this month. (File)

Human and bear interactions have kept police busy so far this month, with the Superior East Ontario Provincial Police reporting 65 such calls so far this month.

The OPP is urging residents in the region to take steps to reduce bear attractants and to reduce the chances of an encounter with a bruin.

Many of the sightings so far in September have been about black bears being spotted in residential areas, the OPP said in a news release Monday.

“While not all bear encounters pose an immediate threat, safety becomes a concern when bears exhibit aggressive or threatening behaviour,” the release said.

“The OPP is working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources … to promote public education and encourage residents to follow bear-wise practices to help prevent these encounters.”

Mike McIntosh, founder and president of Bear With Us, told CTV News on Monday that a poor berry crop combined with a large number of animals displaced by wildfires in the northwest is driving the encounters.

McIntosh said it’s especially important this year for residents to be careful with their garbage, and to bring bird feeders indoors to help avoid an interaction with a bear.

Steps residents can take include storing garbage in their home or ensuring it has a tight lid, and only putting it at the roadside the morning it is being picked up.

“Clean garbage bins and outdoor dumpsters regularly with a strong disinfectant,” police said.

“Keep pet food indoors and clean BBQ grills after each use, including the grease trap.”

Bird feeders should be stored indoors during bear season, which runs from April 1 to Nov. 30.

“Pick ripe fruit and berries from trees and the ground,” police said.

Call 911 if bear is aggressive

“Avoid placing meat, fish, or sweet foods in composters. Turn compost regularly. Freeze meat and fish scraps until garbage day.”

If you encounter a bear, call 911 if the bear is aggressive or poses an immediate threat to public safety.

“Remain calm and do not approach the bear,” police said.

“Keep pets and children indoors and away from the area. Do not block the bear’s exit route. If the bear was attracted by food or garbage, remove those items once it leaves.”

For non-emergency bear encounters and advice on preventing future incidents, contact the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 or go to the website.

Operators are available during bear season to provide guidance and support.

“The OPP emphasizes that preventing bear encounters is a shared responsibility,” police said.

“By removing attractants and staying informed, residents can help reduce the likelihood of bears entering populated areas and ensure the safety of both people and wildlife.”