Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources news release:
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Ontario and the Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people to take simple precautions this spring to prevent attracting black bears as they come out of hibernation.
The potential for human-bear conflict increases when there is little natural food available for bears. If this happens, black bears will search for other food sources, such as garbage and bird feed, which can draw bears to populated areas.
Follow these simple instructions to minimize the chances of attracting bears:
- Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Put out garbage only on the morning of pickup.
- Put away bird feeders. Seed, suet and nectar also attract bears.
- Pick fruits and berries as they ripen -- don't let them rot on the ground.
- Clean outdoor barbecue grills after each use, including the grease trap underneath. Bears will be drawn by smells from great distances, including grease and food residue on grills.
- Keep dogs on leash; sometimes bears will follow off-leash dogs back to you.
- Bears entering a populated area are only a danger if they pose an immediate threat to your personal safety or that of the general public.
