The MNRF sent out a press release today at around 4:30 p.m. in the wake of three bears being killed by Greater Sudbury Police officers in the past day and a half.
“Parts of Ontario are experiencing shortages of natural food sources for bears. Sudbury is experiencing berry crop shortage,” the MNR said in the release.
“Human-bear activity is directly related to the availability of natural foods. Given the current food situation, Sudbury is seeing an increase in reports of problem bears as bears search for alternate sources of food.”
The release goes on to explain that bears rely on berry crops to fatten up for hibernation and will travel great distances to find alternate sources of food when natural foods are poor or unavailable.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is urging residents in the Sudbury area to take extra care to not attract bears to their neighborhood and reminds the public that the majority of bear encounters can be prevented. Safely store garbage until pickup day, clean barbecues, and keep pet food indoors.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry also encourages food service operations, such as restaurants or businesses with commercial dumpsters to:
- Empty garbage and grease/fat containers frequently.
- Use bear-resistant containers whenever possible.
- Lock dumpster lids every night.
- Avoid stockpiling garbage or grease/fat.
- Clean garbage containers frequently and thoroughly, using a strong disinfectant to eliminate odors.
“It takes only one property where attractants are not managed carefully to draw bears to a neighbourhood. Everyone must work together to keep bears in the wild where they belong,” said the MRNF in the release.
Quick facts:
- If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911.
- For advice on reducing bear attractants, call the Ministry’s Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327. You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season (April 1-Nov. 30).
- Find out more about what to do in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information on bears.
