HIBERNATING BEARS WAKING UP — BUT DON’T FEED THEM YOUR GARBAGE

HUNTSVILLE — Last fall OPP responded to 40 calls for service in Huntsville about bears feeding on dumpsters and garbage that was left out by residents.

To try and prevent that, police are reminding residents to take precautions this spring.

Bears are waking up and looking to replenish themselves after a particularly long and hard winter. Photo MNR

The presence of the bears, they say while interesting, is not a tourist attraction and they want to prevent bears from becoming accustomed to human garbage for their diet.

They say that with warming weather forecast, hibernating bears will be waking from mid-March to May.

And as there is little natural food for them at this time of year, they will seek out whatever they can find.

As per Ontario.ca / Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, follow these simple and effective precautions:

  • Never feed or approach bears
  • Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids, preferably indoors
  • Wait until pickup day to put out garbage for collection
  • Remove bird feeders for the spring and summer (instead you can offer birds natural alternatives such as flowers, nesting boxes or fresh water)
  • Clean food residue from outdoor barbecue grills and grease traps after each use
  • Keep dogs on leash and store pet food indoors
  • Alert your neighbours about bear activity and share these Bear Wise tips to reduce attractants in your community

If encountering bears:

It is also important to know how to handle a bear encounter, and who to call if you encounter one. The province operates a non-emergency, toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327. The line operates from March 17 to November 30 and is available 24/7.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, remain calm and call 911 or your local police department.

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