Local municipalities, the OPP and the Ministry of Natural Resources are reminding you to take precautions to prevent black bear encounters as they come out of hibernation this year.
Those include storing garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids and waiting until collection day to put it to the curb.
Removing bird feeders for the spring and cleaning food residue from outdoor grills is also recommended.
Provincial co-ordinator for human-wildlife management Micheline Mamone said bears have an incredible sense of smell and can be attracted by the odours of potential food sources.
“Bears are naturally elusive animals, but they are really governed by their stomachs, and they need to eat. And they also like to find an easy meal,” she said.
For reducing garbage odours, Mamone said you can also freeze food waste until collection day and make sure your bins are clean.
The province operates a Bear Wise reporting line for anyone who encounters a bear, but if the animal is posing an immediate threat or being aggressive, they say to call 911.
Mamone said for the Bear Wise reporting line, a live operator will answer and assess the situation, and can refer the report to local MNR staff to follow up on if needed.
