OPP NEWS RELEASE
************************* Nuisance black bears and what to do with them
ELLIOT LAKE, ON - (May 2) - The East Algoma OPP in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources would like remind all citizens that the bears have awakened from hibernation and have been spotted in the area.
During the evening of April 30, 2008 a human-bear encounter occurred in the area of the Sheriff Creek Walking Trail.
Fortunately no one was hurt.
The area is a non-leash area for dogs but OPP would like to caution pet owners to have their dogs on leashes due to the sightings of bears.
Attached are a few pointers to assist you when out enjoying the trails and scenery.
Bears usually avoid humans.
Generally you won’t see a bear even if one is close by.
Remember, you are a visitor in the bear’s home range, so do all you can to avoid encounters:
- Make noise as you move through wooded areas. Singing, whistling or talking will alert bears to your presence, giving them a chance to avoid you.
- Carry a whistle or air horn.
- Travel with others if possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings by keeping your eyes and ears open.
- Keep an eye out for signs of bears, such as tracks, claw marks on trees, flipped-over rocks or fresh bear droppings.
- Avoid strong fragrances that may cause a bear to be curious; put any food you are carrying in sealed containers in your pack.
- If you are out with a dog, control it. Uncontrolled, untrained dogs may actually lead a bear to you.
If you encounter a bear:
- If the bear is not paying attention to you, slowly and quietly back away while watching the bear to make sure it isn’t following you.
- Do not approach the bear to get a better look.
- If the bear obviously knows you are there, raise your arms to let the bear know you are human. Make yourself look as big as possible. Speak in a firm but non-threatening voice while looking at the bear and backing away.
- Watch the bear to gauge its reaction to you. Generally, the nosier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, providing you don’t approach the bear. If a bear huffs, pops its jaw or stomps its paws on the ground, it wants you to back away and give it space.
- If a bear closely approaches you, drop any food you are carrying and continue backing up.
- If the bear continues to try to approach, stand your ground and be aggressive – use your whistle or air horn, yell, stand tall, wave your arms and throw objects.
- If a bear keeps advancing and is getting close, continue to stand your ground. Use your bear pepper spray and anything else to threaten or distract the bear – bears will often first test to see if it is safe to approach you.
- Do not run or climb a tree. Bears can run faster and climb better than you.
- If the bear makes contact, fight back with everything you have.
If you are concerned, contact the local Ministry of Natural Resources office in the area you are going to visit to determine whether there have been any reports of bear encounters or conflicts.
To report bear problems please call 1-866-514-2327.
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