The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police is offering some tips from the Bear Wise program following the report of a bear sighting along Victoria Street in Kincardine Township.

Following these tips will help to minimize the chances of attracting bears:

Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.

Put out garbage only on the morning of pickup.

Put away bird feeders. Seed, suet and nectar attract bears.

Pick fruits and berries as they ripen. Don't let them rot on the ground.

Clean outdoor barbecue grills after each use, including the grease trap underneath. Bears will be drawn by smells from great distances, including grease and food residue on grills.

Keep dogs on leash; sometimes bears will follow off-leash dogs back to you.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behavior, call 911 or your local police. The police may request support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to respond to emergency situations, on a case-by-case basis.

For non-emergencies, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry operates the toll-free, 24/7 Bear Reporting Line (1-866-514-2327) and the Bear Wise website to provide the public with information and advice.

source: media release, South Bruce OPP