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<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Residents are encouraged to review bear safety information and speak with children and youth who may be walking to and from school.<\/p>\n
If a bear sees you:<\/p>\n
\n\tDo not approach the bear
\n\tSlowly back away toward a school or house while keeping the bear in sight
\n\tDo not turn and run
<\/p>\n
If a bear moves toward you:<\/p>\n
\n\tSlowly back away while making noise, do not run
\n\tRemove and drop your backpack if it contains food
\n\tYell at the bear to go away
\n\tDo not \u201cplay dead\u201d
<\/p>\n
Bears are attracted to areas where food is easily available. Common attractants include:<\/p>\n
\n\tGarbage and recycling
\n\tCooking smells
\n\tRipe fruit and pet food left outdoors
<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Who to call if you see a bear:<\/p>\n
\n\tEmergency: 911
\n\tNon-emergency (report bear sightings): 1-866-514-2327
\n\tTTY: 705-945-7641
<\/p>\n