We are suggesting that people be aware, alert and take care when travelling on recreational trails, especially when moving quickly on rollerblades, bicycles or jogging. Wildlife experts advise that if a bear woofs, snaps, slaps the ground, scuffs dirt or bluff charges, a person is too close. They advise not to turn your back on a bear and run. Stay calm, back up slowly, holding your coat or hands over your head to appear as big as possible. Residents are also asked to take steps now to avoid attracting bears to their property, particularly if they live in the semi-rural areas, or where bears have been sighted.
Bears cover a lot of ground looking for food.
Animal Services outlines prevention tips in the Bear Facts, based on material from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Monitoring and trapping bears is a challenge because they make rounds in their search for food. It may be hours or days before the bear is sighted again. If a bear poses an immediate threat to people or property, residents are asked to call the Police at 911. Only shoot the bear as a last resource.