The Bear Necessities: Being Bear Wise in Georgian Bluffs

Following recent reports of signs of black bears in the area, the Township is reminding residents that bears are a natural part of the environment of Georgian Bluffs, but there are things you can do to avoid an encounter.

“Bears are all around us throughout the year, but are generally dormant in the winter months,” says Niall Lobley, Acting CAO/Director of Community Services with the Township. “However, during spring and summer, bears or signs of their activity may be spotted in the early morning or late evening hours.”

Most bears are naturally wary of human contact and will seek to avoid populated areas unless attracted by food smells.

You can help to avoid inviting contact with bears by:

• Ensuring trash is covered, and that any pet food is kept indoors.
• Avoid feeding wildlife, and remove fallen produce from yards and gardens.
• Always supervising your pets when outdoors, following leash laws, and keeping pets under your care and control at all times.
• Making noise such as singing, whistling, or talking when in forested areas.

If you see a bear, do not approach it. Stay calm, make yourself look as large as you can, and make noise while you back away slowly. If you have a non-emergency bear encounter, call the Ontario Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.

If a bear is causing an immediate threat to public safety such as stalking or lingering around people, entering a school yard, or trying to enter a residence, contact the OPP at 519-794-7827.

For more information on how to be bear-wise, visit www.ontario.ca/bearwise.