Lambton OPP officials say given the recent reports of a bear in Lambton County, citizens should have some understanding on what to do and who to call.
The Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and OPP offer the following advice:
Who to contact
Not every bear sighting is an emergency situation. Here is who to call if you encounter a bear.
Emergency Situations – Call 911 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
Non-Emergency Encounters
Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line 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
OPP officials say this line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30.
If you encounter a black bear
When bears are caught off guard, they are stressed, and usually just want to flee.
Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm.
Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach.
The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal.
Do
– Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
– If the bear does not leave, throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle or air horn.
– Prepare to use bear spray.
– If you are near a building or vehicle get inside as a precaution.
– Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
– If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
Do Not
– Run, climb a tree or swim.
– Kneel down.
– Make direct eye contact.
– Approach the bear to get a better look.
– Attempt to feed a bear.
Bear warning signs
Black bear attacks are extremely rare.
A threatened or predatory black bear will give off warning signs to let you know you are too close. A black bear standing on its hind legs is not a sign of aggressive behaviour. The bear is trying to get a better look at you or catch your scent.
For further information about bears in Ontario you can visit:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise
