NIPIGON OPP RESPOND TO BEAR COMPLAINTS
Photos courtesy MNR
NIPIGON, ON –During the month of September, the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have responded to numerous complaints of black bears in the residential area of the Town of Red Rock. Police are requesting that residents take necessary steps to avoid attracting the bears to the local neighbourhoods. At this time of year, natural foods for bears are poor to non existent forcing the bears to find an alternative food source. When bears do not gain access to non-natural foods like garbage and ripe fruit, they will not stay in the area.
Some tips to assist you to avoid problems with bears are:
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Put garbage in containers with tight fitting lids and only put them out on garbage day, not the night before. Do not stockpile garbage, if you have a large amount, take it to the dump.
- Store garbage containers in bear resistant bins, sheds, or garages.
- Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day.
- Pick all ripe fruit off the trees and remove vegetables and fallen fruit from the ground.
- Use bird feeders during the late fall and winter months, store them in the spring and summer.
- Do not leave pet food outside, feed your pets indoors.
- Remove grease and food residue from barbeque grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use.
- Never purposely feed the bears (or any wildlife) or try to approach them.
A reminder to take precautions when you are outdoors and be aware that there are black bears in the community. If you have a problem with a bear, call the Ministry of Natural Resources Bear Wise reporting line toll free at 1-866-514-2327, Hearing Impaired (TTY) 1-705-945-7641. You will be connected to a live operator during bear season (April 1 to November 30).
To report a bear complaint to the Ontario Provincial Police, call 1-888-310-1122. Do not call 911 unless there is an emergency situation.
For more information about black bears, visit ontario.ca/bearwise.
