At approximately 06:30 a.m., members of the Owen Sound Police Service responded to reports from the public of sightings of a small black bear in a west side neighbourhood near the escarpment. The black bear was not acting in an aggressive manner and was last seen wandering into the bush area of the escarpment.

People are reminded that it is not uncommon to have bear sightings within the city of Owen Sound. Bears will wander into the city looking for sources of food that are easily accessible like bird feeders. If you spot a bear do not approach it, and do not feed them. Keep your pets inside if you see a bear.

If a black bear poses an immediate threat call 911 and police will respond.

If bears are wandering around checking garbage or knocking down bird feeders, members of the public can contact their local police administrative phone line and also the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.

For further information on what to do if you encounter a black bear check out the Ontario website for Be Bear Wise and prevent bear encounters at www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encountersbear-wise

source: media release, Owen Sound Police