The North Bay Police Service is warning the public about an increase in bear sightings throughout the city.
The warning comes after a number of North Bay residents - mainly in the north end of the city in Graniteville and Pinewood, have been sharing photos and videos of bears wandering through the neighbourhood or going through their garbage at night.
In the video footage above, a mother and three cubs make their way across a property in the Aiport Road/Pearce Street area early on Monday.
The North Bay bear sightings have taken place during the day and at night.
Earlier today a landscaping company witnessed a young bear up a tree in the backyard of a home on Clarence Street.
"At this time, the North Bay Police Service has not received any reports of bears acting aggressively towards members of the public," the North Bay Police stated in a release.
"There is no immediate threat, but, because of the high number of reported sightings throughout the city, we encourage members of the public to practice increased caution and awareness as they go about their days."
The North Bay Police Service is also encouraging the public to keep their dogs leashed in light of the increased number of bear sightings.
"Unleashed dogs engaging with a black bear can cause defensive bear attacks on the dog and its owner," the release continued.
"A dog returning to its owner after engaging with a bear can cause a chase response in the bear. Help reduce the risk to yourself and others by keeping your dog leashed, checking your yard before letting your dog out, and, if you do encounter a bear with your dog, remove yourself and your pet from the area as soon as you can safely do so."
Safety Tips
If you encounter a bear, remember to follow these safety tips provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry:
- Do not approach the bear.
- If the bear is in a tree, leave it alone and leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
- Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
- Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.
- Only ever play dead if you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.
- Get inside a building or vehicle, if possible.
- Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
Do not:
- Run, climb a tree or swim.
- Kneel down.
- Make direct eye contact.
- Approach the bear to get a better look.
- Attempt to feed a bear.
- Let your dog off its leash.
If a bear attacks:
- Fight back with everything you have.
- Do not play dead unless you are sure you are being attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.
If you need to report a bear sighting in your area, the Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry runs a 24/7 Bear Wise reporting line from April 1 to November 30. During these months, this is the best place to report a bear sighting. You can contact the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327. In an emergency or if you think the bear poses an immediate threat to people, call 911.
Here's video of a sighting from Saturday off Angus Street near Ski Club Road:
