Like many area communities, black bears are a problem in Sundridge and councillor Luke Preston wants to help minimize the impact.
Preston wants a unified stance with other communities and to share insights on solutions to tackle the black bear issue. He wants to see a collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop a comprehensive response to this issue.
Preston suggested a public education initiative as one way to address black bears coming into town.
Jackson says black bears are an issue at certain times of the year.
The deputy mayor suggested putting out public notices outlining appropriate measures two to three weeks before bears are known to come into the village.
Jackson also suggested public awareness can be increased further by a spokesperson talking to students at the area's public schools.
At the suggestion of Williamson, the issue may be raised at a future tri-council meeting with Joly and Strong since they also face bear issues.
If you encounter a black bear, stop. Do not panic. Remain calm.
Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach it. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal.
Do
- 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.
- Prepare to use bear spray.
- Get inside a building or vehicle, if you are nearby, as a precaution.
- Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
- Leave a bear alone if it is in a tree. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
- Play dead only if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.
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.
- Play dead unless you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.
Rocco Frangione is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter with Almaguin News. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
