Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bears in Sault Ste Marie:

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Sault Ste. Marie City Police are asking residents to take the following steps to prevent bear problems in their neighborhoods.

The Sault Ste Marie Police Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources have recently received several reported sightings of a sow and two cubs in the area of Peoples Road, Fairview Avenue and Fort Creek Conservation Area. The bears are looking for any food source- specifically targeting apples and garbage in the area.
It is recommended that the public not approach the animals but to contact the “Bear Wise” toll-free line at
1-866-514-2327.

Steps to avoid bear problems:

• Clean up and store garbage securely
• Pick up fallen fruit from ground
• Clean barbecues
• Don’t leave pet food outside
• Remove birdfeeders

Learn more:

→ See the attached fact sheet “Dealing with Bears in the Community” for a complete list of tips on how to avoid bears.

→ If you have a bear problem, call the Bear Wise line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327 (BEAR). If it’s a life-threatening emergency, contact your local police or 911.

→ For more information on bears, visit ontario.ca/bearwise.

DEALING WITH BEARS IN THE COMMUNITY

To reduce the chances of attracting bears, the Ministry of Natural Resources advises property owners to -

• Store garbage in steel containers, or in airtight containers, inside a storage area that is not accessible to bears.
• Wash garbage containers and dumpsters frequently and use disinfectant to reduce odours.
• Put garbage out on the morning of garbage day, and not the night before.
• Not leave pet food outdoors.
• Thoroughly clean outdoor barbeque grills after use.
• Fill bird feeders only during the winter months.
• Not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter.
• Keep meat scraps and fish parts in the freezer until garbage pick-up day.

If you spot a bear in a residential area:

• Remain calm. Often the bear is just passing through and, if it finds no food source, will simply move on. Your residence may be located in or near the bear’s natural habitat.
• If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Remove people and dogs from the area. The bear will ordinarily come down and leave when it feels safe. This is usually after dark.
• Keep away from the bear, do not block its exit and warn others to keep away as well. Bring your children and pets into the house.
• If you are near a building or car, get inside it as a precaution. If the bear was attracted to food or garbage, remove it after the bear leaves to discourage the bear from returning.
• Keep dogs away from bears, as the bear may follow the dog back to its owner.
• To report bear problems call the BEAR WISE telephone line at 1 866 514-2327 (1 866 514-BEAR).
• If the bear appears to be threatening, persistent, or aggressive, call the local police or 911.

If a bear approaches you:

• Slowly back away, watching the bear.
• If the bear tries to approach you, stop. Be aggressive and make yourself appear as big as possible. Yell and throw rocks or sticks. Never turn and run!
• Carry a noise-making device such as a whistle or air horn, and use it!
• If the bear continues to approach you, keep backing away slowly while continuing to be aggressive towards the bear.
• If you are carrying bear repellent, use it only if the bear is attacking you or is extremely close to you (make sure you are familiar with the product and how to use it beforehand).
• If a bear makes contact with you, experts suggest that you do not play dead. Fighting back is the best chance of persuading a black bear to stop its attack. Use a large stick, a rock or anything else that you can to deter the bear.

To report bear sightings or learn more about bears, call the Bear Wise telephone line at 1-866-514-2327 (1-866-514-BEAR) or visit ontario.ca/bearwise. In an emergency, call your local police or 911.

Two persons to appear in Bail court:

1) Yesterday afternoon city police arrested a 20year-old female on various outstanding warrants. Lara Martin,
age 20, of no fixed address is charged with one count of fail to appear for court and one count of failing to appear for identification. It is alleged that the accused failed to appear for court on April 14th, 2008 on seven counts of fraud under $ 5,000.00, one count of theft under $ 5,000.00, two count of possession of property obtained by crime and nine counts of breach of probation. The original charges date back to November 2007.

2) At approx. 1:00 am this morning city police arrested a male and charged him with two counts of breach of an undertaking. It is alleged that Matthew Russell, age 32-year-old, of 46 Royal York Blvd breached two conditions of his undertaking release order by consuming alcohol and by being out past his 6:00 pm curfew.

Male arrested for theft:

Yesterday afternoon city police arrested a 30-year-old male for theft. It is alleged that the accused attended at the Roots Store in the Station Mall and stole a quantity of items by hiding them under his coat. He was apprehended outside the store by Mall security and turned over to police. Darcy Lebel, age 30, of 16 Breton Rd. is charged with one count of theft under $ 5,000.00 and one count of breach of probation. He will be appearing in court on Sept. 22nd at 9:00 am.

Male arrested for failing to appear for court:

Yesterday at approx. 3:30 pm a 31-year-old male attended at the city police station to turn himself in for a warrant. It is alleged that Michael Jackson, age 31, of 576 Moss Rd. failed to appear for court on Aug 11th. He
Is charged with one count of failing to appear for court and will be appearing in court on Sept. 22nd at 9:00 am.

Thefts: The Sault Ste Marie Police Service received two complaints of theft yesterday.

A vehicle parked in the 100 block of Cathcart St. was entered a bowling ball and shoes were stolen.

The P.U.C. storage area in the 800 block of McNabb St was broken into and a quantity of copper wire was stolen.