After reports of black bear sightings in the Port Elgin and Southampton areas, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is asking people to take the necessary steps to avoid attracting bears into local neighbourhoods.
The Ministry says residents in Saugeen Shores and most recently Port Elgin, have reported interactions with black bears in recent weeks.
There have been numerous social media posts of a large black bear walking around residential neighbourhoods in Southampton in the last few weeks and also being spotted on the 10th Concession and on the North Shore Road.
According to the Ministry, of the recently reported incidents, most involved items such as bird feeders and garbage.
They say there have been sightings and occurrences around McGregor Point Provincial Park and in both the north and south ends of Port Elgin.
They say they have gotten about 20 calls in the last couple of weeks, and note “Although calls have been received earlier this season compared to other years, most bears are now emerging from hibernation and residents should be alert for spring bear activity.”
Ontario is reminding the public that bears are often attracted to garbage, bird food including suet, seed and nectar, odours from barbecues and ripe fruit left on trees or on the ground. They say removing these things can help keep bears out of the area.
You can also prevent bears from visiting your home and neighbourhood by:
Storing garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids
Putting out garbage only on the morning of pickup
Putting away bird feeders for the spring (you can offer birds natural alternatives, such as flowers, nesting boxes and fresh water)
Keeping pet food indoors
Ministry Officials say currently, natural foods for bears in this area are below average. They warn, when the availability of natural foods is limited, bears will look for alternative food sources, often in communities. They also note, when bears cannot gain access to non-natural foods such as garbage, they will not stay in the area.
If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety and exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police at (519) 832-9200.
For advice on removing bear attractants, call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641). This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30.
What to do in emergency and non-emergency situations: https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise .
Read more about bears at ontario.ca/bearwise.