The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police is reminding residents to take simple precautions this spring to prevent attracting black bears as they come out of hibernation. The hungry bears will be seeking sources of food that can include garbage or bird feed.

The potential for human-bear conflict increases when there is little natural food available for bears. If this happens, black bears will search for other food sources, such as garbage and bird feed, which can draw bears to populated areas.

Follow these instructions 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.

Bears will remember their last source of food and return there when hungry, sometimes travelling over 100 kilometers. 

source: media release, South Bruce OPP