Be Bear Wise!

Be Bear Wise!

Bear Wise – What to Do About Bears in Our Area

There have been a number of bear sightings and bear encounters in the Little Kennisis and Kennisis Lake areas in recent weeks.  Thus far, the bear(s) have not behaved aggressively but may have minimal fear of humans.  The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests have asked us to share the following information with our members as to how to be “Bear Wise” – how to avoid attracting bears to your property and what to do if you do see one:

  1. Remove any potential non-natural attractants from outdoors, screened in porches or easily accessible structures such as flimsy sheds. Non-natural attractants include: garbage, recycling, dirty BBQs, bird feeders and hummingbird feeders, petroleum products, scented items such as candles and pet food
  2. Clean areas that may have scents such as garbage bins using unscented products such as bleach or vinegar
  3. If the bear is seen walking through a yard or along a road, leave it alone, and try to avoid it from seeing you. Stopping to take photos or trying to get closer to the bear will increase its comfort level with humans
  4. If the bear approaches close to a building, climbs on decks or looks through a window, and the occupant feels comfortable, they can attempt to scare the bear; yell at the bear in a loud deep voice, use an air horn or car alarm, bang pots and pans, etc.
  5. Never run or climb a tree during a bear sighting, slowly back to a safe location such as a vehicle

If you do have contact with a nuisance bear, you can contact the MNRF provincial bear reporting line at 1 866 514 2327. This is a 24 hour a day service.

Please read the following fact sheets from the MNRF:

  1. Bear Wise Fact Sheet
  2. What to do if you have Bear Encounter
  3. Reporting a Bear Encounter