The Ministry of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to continue to be bear wise.
There have been many sightings in Fort Frances in recent weeks.
Bear and Resource Management Technician Jordan Desserre says limit natural food for the animals in the forest is driving bears to more populated areas.
“When the availability of natural foods is limited bears will look for alternative food sources. Bears are attracted to things such as apples in oak trees, garbage, bird food, including suet, seeds and nectar as well as odours from dirty barbecues,” says Desserre.
Desserre says keeping your yard free of fallen fruit and putting your garbage out of the reach will help keep bears away from your home.
Desserre says if you encounter one, stay calm.
The best thing to do is to stop, remain calm. When bears are caught off guard they’re stressed and usually just want to flee. Generally speaking, the noisier the bear the less dangerous it is provided you do not approach it.”
Desserre says you can also report bears sightings in a couple of ways.
“If you determine that a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behavior, you call 911 and the OPP will respond. For advice on removing bear attractants, you can call the Bear Wise reporting line toll free 1-866-514-2327 or teletype line at 1-705-945-7641. You will be connected to a live operator.”
Bear season generally runs from the beginning of April until the middle of November.
