Bears in the P-Patch

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

************************* The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to advise the residents in the P-Patch area that there have been several bear sightings in their area in the past few days.

Another sighting was reported early this morning.

The bear has also been observed several times in the new recreational trail in the Black Road/ Finn Hill area.

The bears have been wandering into the back yards of some of the homes.

Police would like to provide once again, some safety tips and information on 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.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Bear picture accompanying this article was sent in by faithful readers John & Lydia Cuglietta. It was taken by their son in their front yard last Saturday around 7 p.m., on Donna Drive off Prentice near Second Line, Yeah - we know that's not the P-Patch. But it was such a cute bear! ;-)

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