Just ahead of every long weekend, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry issues its “Bear Wise” tips to prevent a bad outcome from any human-bear encounter.
Program support technician Ashley Elliott says the number of encounters is down so far this year in the Northeast. She credits a good berry crop last year that sent the bears into hibernation in good condition.
“This year, natural food abundance in the region has also been productive,” she observes, “which allows bears to remain in rural areas for food and can often result in fewer human-bear interactions.”
Here’s a little-known fact about black bears. Elliott says the noisier a bear is, the less likely it is to be a problem when the two of you meet up.
“They’ll swat the ground, they’ll make huffing sounds, they’ll pop their jaw, so it’s kind of like a jaw-popping sound, it’s very interesting. And all those signs is the bear telling you that they’re nervous around you, so it’s a good thing that they’re making those noises.”
Here is our full interview with Ashley Elliott:
BE BEAR WISE AND AVOID BEAR ENCOUNTERS
- Black bears live in most parts of Ontario. Knowing what to do if you encounter a bear is being Bear Wise. Avoid encounters:
- Make noise when you move through heavily wooded areas, especially if you are near a stream or waterfall where bears may not hear you.
- Singing, whistling or talking will alert bears to your presence, giving them a chance to avoid you.
- Keep your eyes and ears open and watch for signs of a bear, such as tracks, claw marks on trees or droppings.
- DO NOT wear headphones.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are doing activities outside (e.g. hiking, jogging, cycling, gardening, berry picking or camping) where bears may not realize you are there.
- If you are out with a dog, keep it on a leash. Uncontrolled and/or untrained dogs may actually lead a bear to you. Think about safety:
- Carry a whistle or air horn
- Carry and understand how to use bear spray.
- If you are in “back country” consider carrying a long-handled axe.
- If you do spot a bear: Remain calm and do not run, climb a tree or swim; slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight, but do not make direct eye contact; Watch the bear and wait for it to leave. If it does not leave, wave your arms and make noise;.if you are near a building or vehicle, get inside as a precaution.
- Always call 911 in an emergency. TTY 705-945-7641 Call 1-866-514-2327 to report a sighting.
–Source MNRF Bear Wise Program
