Time to be BearWise in the Bay

MNR News Release

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You may not even know you are doing it. You could be attracting bears onto your property and into your community. Garbage is the main reason why bears are drawn into communities. Bird and pet food, greasy barbecues and ripe or decaying fruit, berries and vegetables are other invitations to bears to forage for food in your yard. This is not good for you, for your neighbours or for bears.

Problems with bears are usually created by people. By following these tips every spring, summer and fall, you can avoid attracting bears to your property:

Garbage:

- Eliminate odours. Put garbage in containers that have tight fitting lids, and only put it out on the morning of garbage day, not the night before

- Whenever possible, store garbage in bear-resistant containers, or indoors (house, shed, garage). Do not store garbage in plywood boxes, old freezers or vehicles

- Put meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day

- If you do not have curbside pick up, take your garbage to the dump often

- Frequently wash garbage cans and recycle containers and lids with a strong smelling disinfectant


Bird/Pet food:

- Fill bird feeders only through the winter months

- Do not leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors, not outside or in screened in areas or porches


Fruits/Vegetables/Compost:

- Avoid landscaping with trees, shrubs or plants that produce food known to attract bears (some examples include crab apple trees, mountain ash, beech and oak)

- Do not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter

- Remove vegetables and fallen fruit from the ground

- Pick all ripe fruit from trees and bushes

Smells:

- Be aware that cooking odours can attract bears

- Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use

Learn about bears, their needs and behaviour. Share your knowledge with others. Encourage your neighbours and your community to practice Bear Wise habits. It takes everyone working together to keep bears away.

In an immediate emergency, call your local police or 911.

To report bear problems call: 1 866 514-2327
(1 866 514-BEAR)
TTY 705 945-7641

For more information, visit our website:
ontario.ca/bearwise

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