Keep pic-a-nic baskets under guard, bears are awake and they’re hungry.
Here’s what the city says to do if you encounter a bear:
Non-Emergencies
Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line (available 24/7) at 1-866-514-2327 if a bear:
roams around or checks garbage cans
breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored
is in a tree
pulls down a bird feeder or knocks over a barbecue
moves through a backyard or field but does not linger
Emergencies
Call 911 or your local police if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour, such as:
enters a school yard when school is in session
stalks people and lingers at the site
enters or tries to enter a residence
wanders into a public gathering
kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site
The OPP has issued several safety tips:
Keep all doors and ground‑level windows closed and locked, especially during evening and overnight hours.
Store garbage securely and avoid placing bins outside if they contain food scraps.
Place garbage out only on collection day, not the night before.
Remove bird feeders during bear season, as seeds and suet attract wildlife.
Do not leave pet food outdoors.
Clean barbecues after each use to remove grease and food residue.
Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
Keep compost in a secure, bear‑resistant container.
Maintain a tidy yard free of food waste or strong food scents.
Bears should never be approached, and immediate threats to public safety should be called into 911. Non-emergency bear concerns can be called into the Bear Wise reporting line at 1‑866‑514‑2327, which operates from April 1 to Nov. 30 and is available 24/7.