Several Finlandia Village residents have spotted a female black bear and her two cubs roaming around the retirement home and long-term care facility.
Diane Charbonneau, a resident in Finlandia's Block B, said she has spotted the bear and her cubs behind her building, and a friend got a scare when she got within 10 feet of the animal near Block A.
Charbonneau said the bear is attracted to the dumpsters near the buildings, which remain unlocked during the day.
She added that in her opinion the dumpsters are too close to the residences and the fact they remain unlocked is attracting the animals.
Angela Harvey, an administrator with Finlandia Village, said staff are aware of the bear, and have taken the necessary precautions to protect the safety of residents.
“We have informed our staff and residents through information signs warning of the three bears,” Harvey said in an email to Sudbury.com. “We have contacted police, MNR and also written a letter to our councillor Lynne Reynolds (Ward 11).”
Harvey added Finlandia's dumpsters are reinforced at night, but cannot be locked during the day to accommodate the garbage truck pickups.
Harvey said the garbage bins are emptied three times per week.
“Placement of bins has been reviewed and where they are placed is the most suitable option,” she added.
Charbonneau said she would like to see the bears tranquilized and moved, if possible, and added she plans to print large posters with the information Finlandia has already posted throughout the property.
