Province urges public to "bear-proof" their property

The Ministry of Natural Resources is urging cottagers, campers and municipalities to be ‘bear aware’ and to work together to avoid attracting bears.
Bears don’t always have good quality natural foods available. Until berries and other natural foods are available, bears will eat whatever they can get, including pet food, birdseed, compost or even garbage. They will also return to food sources they remember from last year.
To reduce the chances of attracting bears, the ministry advises property owners to:
- Regularly dispose of garbage (in some cases this may mean stop composting).
- Keep garbage in bear-proof containers and don’t put them out until morning of pick-up.
- Keep barbecues and picnic tables clean.
- Wait until the fall to fill bird feeders.
- Remove a hummingbird feeder if it attracts bears.
- Keep pet food inside the house.
- Refrain from dumping fish parts in the bush; freeze them and put out with your garbage.
If people encounter a bear that they believe poses a public safety threat, they should call their local police or the Ontario Provincial Police.
Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, people can protect themselves or their property. This could include relocation of the bear by an authorized bear agent. The ministry does not condone the killing of wildlife where other options may be available. Property owners are advised to check with local police on by-laws surrounding the discharge of firearms. Bears killed in defense of property must be immediately reported to the local Ministry of Natural Resources office.
For more information on living with black bears, visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/bears/