Public notice about a bear in central part of town

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

CITY POLICE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

********************** The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources wish to advise the public of a bear that has been spotted in the central area of town.

Since May 22 there have been several reports of bears in the area of Old Garden River Road, Third Line East, Birkshire Place, Landslide Road and Case Road.

There have been two separate occasions recently in these areas.

On one occasion a jogger was followed by a bear.

And on the second occasion two girls were followed by a bear.

In both of these incidents the bear did not indicate any fear of humans. There have been no reports involving a bear of concern in the last couple of days.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has set a trap in the area.

The bear of concern has not been staying in one area therefore it is possible the bear may have moved on.

The public is reminded not to approach any bears.

Although a bear may appear docile, they are still wild animals and may react negatively if they feel threatened or crowded.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is reminding anyone if they have contact with a bear in an immediate area to call them at 949-6300.

If the bear appears to be threatening, persistent or aggressive dial 911.

To report a sighting of a bear in the distance contact the MNR Bear Wise Telephone line at 1-866-514-2327.

Here are some tips you can use to reduce your chances of having contact with a bear and what to do if you are approached by a bear.

If you spot a bear in a residential area:

• remain calm. 0ften 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

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 It is very important for the public to manage attractants such as garbage and birdfeeders to ensure that bears are not attracted into the area. 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

To learn more you can visit the MNR website at bears.mnr.gov.on.ca

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