The province and provincial police are once again reminding everyone to exercise caution and do their part to prevent attracting black bears as the animals come out of hibernation between mid-March and late April.
There is little natural food for bears at this time of year, causing them to search for other food sources, including garbage and bird feed, the Ministry of Natural Resources stated in a media release.
Officials provided a list of precautions to be bear wise, including:
- Never feed or approach bears
- Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids, preferably indoors
- Wait until pickup day to put out garbage for collection
- Remove bird feeders for the spring and summer (instead you can offer birds natural alternatives such as flowers, nesting boxes or fresh water)
- Clean food residue from outdoor barbecue grills and grease traps after each use
- Keep dogs on leash and store pet food indoors
If you encounter a bear
Alert your neighbours about bear activity and share these tips to reduce attractants in your community, officials asked.
The province operates a non-emergency, toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 that operates from March 17 to November 30 and is available 24/7. If a bear is posing an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, stay calm and call 911 or your local police department.
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