Black bear spotted in P-Patch this morning

SooToday reader submitted the image above after seeing "a huge bear going through garbage bins on Panoramic Drive early this morning."

"This is the largest bear I have ever seen around," the reader wrote to us. "He walked past that white Jeep and he was a good 12 inches higher than the hood."

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) offers a number of tips on how to keep unwanted bears away from populated areas, including:

• Garbage:
  • put garbage out only on the morning of garbage day, not the night before
  • put meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day
  • put garbage in containers that have tight-fitting lids and store it in a bear-proof location such as your basement or a sturdy garage
  • frequently wash garbage cans and recycle containers and lids with a strong-smelling disinfectant, such as bleach
  • take garbage to the dump often, if you do not have curbside pick-up
• Bird feeders:
  • fill bird feeders only through the winter months
  • put away feeders in the spring and instead, offer birds natural alternatives (for example, flowers, nesting boxes and fresh water)
• Barbecue:
  • burn off food residue and wash the grill right away
  • empty the grease trap every time you barbecue
  • remove all utensils, dishes and food after eating
  • be aware that cooking odours can attract bears
• Fruits and berries:
  • pick all ripe and fallen fruit from trees and shrubs on your property
  • plant non-fruit bearing trees and shrubs
• Pet food:
  • do not leave pet food outdoors, in screened-in areas or porches

To learn more, visit the MNRF Bear Wise page.