Police kill aggressive bear in northwestern Ont.

Police in Nipigon, Ont., say they had to dispatch an aggressive bear last week that had charged and growled at nearby residents. (File photo)

Police in Nipigon, Ont., say they had to dispatch an aggressive bear last week that had charged and growled at nearby residents.

The incident took place Sept. 10. Ontario Provincial Police received multiple reports about a bear in the Brompton Road area.

“The bear had reportedly charged at and growled at residents, causing concern for public safety,” police said in a news release Thursday.

“Despite efforts to deter the animal, it could not be safely scared away or relocated.”

Made an assessment

Police said they have a protocol they follow before “taking action to destroy any animal.”

“OPP officers assess the threat to public safety, the feasibility of relocation, and the ability to carry out the intervention safely within a residential setting,” police said.

“In this case, due to the immediate risk posed and the inability to safely relocate the bear, officers were required to dispatch the animal.”

There have been several bear encounters in recent weeks. Police also had to kill a bear that attacked two people in Nipigon on Sept. 16. Two women were attacked by a bear in Sault Ste. Marie in late August.

As cooler temperatures arrive and fall nears, police said bears are looking to eat as much food as they can before winter sets in, making human and bear encounters more common.

Increasing encounters with bears

“There have been many sightings recently as bears are starting to bulk up for winter,” police said.

“With bears preparing for winter hibernation, fall is when people need to be the most aware. Bears tend to find their way into residential areas this time of year in search of food.”

Anyone who encounters a bear should be extremely cautious. Information on how to prevent and report bear encounters can be found here.

Non-emergency interactions with bears can be reported to the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641).

Emergency situations include bears in a school yard while school is in session, bears that are stalking people or lingering in an area, trying to enter a residence, killing pets or livestock or trying to enter a residence.

“Call 911 if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour,” police said.

Residents are reminded to never feed or approach bears, secure your garbage and recycling, remove bird feeders, clean BBQs and never leave pet food outdoors.