The OPP continues to advise the public to be cautious when out in the evening and night time hours.  There are still numerous bears that have been observed in the area.  Recently several youths were found taunting a small cub within the community of Wawa.  This is no way to treat a wild animal and could result in serious injury to either a member of the public or the bear.  Please leave these wild animals alone so that they will return to their natural habitat.

The OPP will respond to emergency calls about wild animals if there is an immediate threat to the public.  The only option available to the police is to destroy the threat. The simple fact that they are wandering around town is not a police matter and if left alone they will go about their business and leave.  Wild animals frequenting built up areas is usually a learned habit resulting from people leaving food sources (garbage) accessible to them.  To avoid these animals from becoming nuisances and threats requires the public to eliminate the food sources in town.  Failure to do this will ultimately train them to continue in this habit which will generally result in their death or serious consequences to humans and their property.

The Bear-Wise Reporting toll free number continues to operate for reporting sightings and information on bear proofing purposes.  Call 1-866-514-2327.