Bear spotted in Kanata safely tranquilized and relocated

Ottawa Bylaw Services says a bear spotted in Kanata Thursday morning was relocated "back to its natural habitat." (Ottawa Bylaw Services/X)

Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) says a young bear that was spotted in Kanata Thursday morning has been safely relocated.

Bylaw published posts on social media warning residents to avoid the Herzberg Road and Corkstown Road areas because a bear was seen nearby.

“The bear was in close enough proximity to residents and businesses to warrant intervention for public safety,” said Bylaw and Regulatory Services director Roger Chapman in a statement to CTV News.

“With close collaboration between BLRS, National Capital Commission and the Ottawa Police Service, the bear was safely chemically immobilized and transported to a Ministry of Natural Resources-approved release site suitable for the bear.”

With bears emerging from hibernation and looking for food, Ottawa Bylaw is reminding residents of several tips to be “bear wise” this spring.

If you see a bear, slowly back away while keeping it in sight and wait for it to leave. If the bear does not leave, throw objects, wave your arms, and make noise. Do not run, climb a tree or swim and do not feed the bear.

Ottawa Bylaw is also reminding residents to keep food sources and garbage secure so as not to attract bears to your area.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources says not every bear encounter is an emergency. You should only call 9-1-1 if a bear poses and immediate threat to personal safety or is exhibiting aggressive behaviour, such as if it enters a home, a schoolyard while school is in session, or if it is attacking livestock or pets.

If you own a dog, keep it on a leash in areas where bears are known to live or frequent.

“Be aware that unleashed dogs can cause defensive black bear attacks on people. Unleashed dogs returning to their owners can cause a chase response that may lead a bear back to the owner,” the ministry says.