With bear sightings on the rise in Huron and Bruce Counties in recent years, the Ministry of Natural Resources has information that will help if you’re confronted by a bear.
MNR spokesperson Beth Stevenson tells Bayshore Broadcasting News that — as with many other things — common-sense is your best guide.
Stevenson says if you encounter a bear while walking through the woods, you should slowly back away from the animal and try not to make any sudden moves.
Stevenson says if possible, it’s a good idea to leave the bear an escape route.
Stevenson says bears don’t like dogs so you’ll need to protect yourself and your pet in such an encounter.
Stevenson advises that when you’re walking your pet through the woods to keep it under control at all times.
She says it also doesn’t hurt to carry a whistle or to talk loudly if a bear is near — just to let the animal know you’re not sneaking up on it.
Stevenson says there’s a quick way to let the MNR or police know when you confront what she calls a “nuisance bear”.
Stevenson says you can call the Bear-Wise Hotline at 1-866-514-2327, or you can call 911 in an emergency.
Stevenson says you can pick up much more information on how to handle an encounter with a bear by visiting the Ministry of Natural Resources website at www.ontario.ca/bearwise
Stevenson says bear sightings in Bruce County have been steadily increasing over the past five years or so.
Stevenson says there have been multiple sightings — likely of the same bear — in the Goderich-Kingsbridge area since the beginning of June.