Durham Region – As spring emerges and bears come out of hibernation, residents of Durham Region are being reminded by the Ontario government and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to take precautions to prevent unwanted bear encounters. Bears are actively searching for food during this time, and with limited natural food available, they are drawn to human environments, especially where garbage or birdfeed is present.
To ensure both public safety and the protection of wildlife, here are several Bear Wise guidelines that Durham residents should follow during bear season:
1. Never Feed or Approach Bears
Feeding bears is illegal and can lead to dangerous situations. Bears that become accustomed to human food can lose their natural fear of humans, making future encounters more hazardous. If you see a bear, give it space and allow it to retreat naturally.
2. Store Garbage Safely
Garbage can be a major attractant for bears, so always store your waste in secure containers with tight-fitting lids. Ideally, store garbage indoors until the day of collection to prevent attracting bears. In the event that you have to store garbage outside, ensure it is in a bear-proof container.
3. Remove Bird Feeders
Bird feeders are another common attractant for bears. Although feeding birds can be a pleasurable activity, it is best to remove bird feeders during the spring and summer months, as they can draw bears into residential areas. Instead, offer birds natural alternatives such as flowering plants, nesting boxes, or fresh water to help support local wildlife.
4. Clean Up After Barbecue Grills
Grills and grease traps often have food residue that can attract bears. Clean your outdoor barbecue grill and grease traps after each use to eliminate any lingering smells that could lead to bear visits.
5. Secure Pet Food and Keep Dogs on Leash
Bears are also attracted to pet food, so keep pet food indoors when not in use. If you let your dogs outside, keep them on a leash to prevent them from running into a bear. Pet food left outside can easily lure bears into your yard.
6. Educate Your Neighbors
Bear encounters are often preventable if everyone in the community takes the right steps. Share these Bear Wise tips with your neighbors to reduce the number of attractants in the area and ensure the safety of your entire community.
How to Handle a Bear Encounter
If you encounter a bear, it is important to stay calm. Most bears do not pose a threat and will retreat if left undisturbed. However, if a bear behaves aggressively or poses an immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. In non-emergency situations, you can report bear sightings to the Bear Wise reporting line, which operates from April 1 to November 30. The toll-free number, 1-866-514-2327, is available 24/7 and helps guide residents on how to safely deal with bear-related incidents.
Protecting Our Communities
By taking these simple steps, Durham Region residents can help reduce the likelihood of bear encounters and contribute to the safety of both their families and the bears. Remember, it’s not only about protecting human life but also about ensuring that bears maintain their natural behavior, preventing them from becoming habituated to human food sources.
