Ontario Urges Public to Stay Bear Wise as Black Bears Emerge from Hibernation
TORONTO — As black bears begin to wake from hibernation across the province, the Ontario government and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding residents to take precautions to avoid attracting the animals into residential areas.
Between mid-March and late April, bears emerge hungry and often find little natural food in the wild. This can lead them to seek out human-provided sources like garbage bins and bird feeders.
To prevent bear encounters and ensure both community safety and the wellbeing of wildlife, the Ministry of Natural Resources has released a set of Bear Wise safety tips:
- Never feed or approach bears
- Store garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids, preferably indoors
- Put garbage out only on the day of collection
- Remove bird feeders in spring and summer; instead, attract birds with natural alternatives such as flowers or fresh water
- Clean outdoor grills and grease traps thoroughly after each use
- Keep dogs leashed and store pet food inside
- Alert neighbours about bear sightings and share Bear Wise practices
The province also operates a non-emergency Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327, available 24/7 from March 17 to November 30, to report sightings or non-threatening bear encounters.
In emergency situations where a bear poses an immediate threat, the public is urged to call 911 or contact local police.
By working together and staying alert, Ontario officials say residents can reduce bear attractants and help keep the animals in their natural habitats.
