It’s bear season. Here are some tips to avoid encountering black bears in eastern Ontario

Black Bear - File photo

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding residents in eastern Ontario that black bears are looking for food after coming out of hibernation, and sources like pet food and garbage are common attractants.

A news release was issued Friday following an encounter a resident had in the Port Elmsley area, just west of Smiths Falls, coming upon a mother bear and her cubs while out on a walk.

“Bears usually avoid humans, but they are attracted into urban and rural areas to get food,” the OPP said.

Common attractants include strong food and cooking smells, garbage, ripe fruits, and pet food left outside.

To avoid bear-human encounters while outdoors:

• travel in groups of two or more
• scan your surroundings and do not wear headphones
• watch for signs of bear activity such as tracks, claw marks on trees, flipped-over rocks or fresh bear droppings
• leash your dog — an uncontrolled, untrained dog may lead a bear to you
• pay attention, especially if you are working, gardening or berry picking
• rise slowly if you are in a crouched position so that you don’t startle nearby bears
• avoid strong fragrances that may cause a bear to be curious, and put any food you are carrying in sealed containers in your pack
• carry a whistle or air horn
• understand the use and limitations of bear spray and carry it where it’s easy to access. Bear spray is highly effective at deterring bears at close range

Know who to call

The OPP says you should call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 or TTY 705-945-7641 if you see a bear roaming around in populated areas, checking garbage cans, or if a bear has broken into a shed or climbed up a tree.

Call 911 or your local police if a bear is posing an immediate threat, such as entering a school yard while school is in session, wandering into a public gathering, entering a home, or killing pets or livestock.

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