Police warn the public that bears are active

The North Bay Police Service is advising residents to be Bear Wise as black bears emerge from hibernation and are being spotted on local trails and in neighbourhoods

The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) is advising residents to be Bear Wise as black bears emerge from hibernation and are being spotted on local trails and in neighbourhoods.

Residents are encouraged to review bear safety information and speak with children and youth who may be walking to and from school.

If a bear sees you:

Do not approach the bear
Slowly back away toward a school or house while keeping the bear in sight
Do not turn and run

If a bear moves toward you:

Slowly back away while making noise, do not run
Remove and drop your backpack if it contains food
Yell at the bear to go away
Do not “play dead”

Bears are attracted to areas where food is easily available. Common attractants include:

Garbage and recycling
Cooking smells
Ripe fruit and pet food left outdoors

If bears find food in a neighbourhood, they are likely to return and may attempt to enter buildings. The best way to prevent conflict is to remove attractants.

Who to call if you see a bear:

Emergency: 911
Non-emergency (report bear sightings): 1-866-514-2327
TTY: 705-945-7641

For more information and learning resources, go HERE.