Bear necessities

A young black bear on the road near Smiths Bay. Photo: Rick Flood

Spate of ursine sightings has County residents keeping a wary eye

Bears, it seems, have been reading Prince Edward County’s press clippings and are setting about exploring the sights the place has to offer visitors. In recent weeks bear sightings have been reported at the west end of the County at Huyck’s Bay Road and Hubbs Creek Road, in the middle near Bloomfield, and on Friday night a black bear was observed outside of Picton on Ridge Road. Later police spotted the bear eating garbage on Airport Lane.

Now a new report comes from Smith’s Bay near Waupoos in North Marsyburgh. Rick Flood, visiting the County from Toronto, was out for a stroll on Sunday morning near Smith’s Bay when he snapped a photo of a young bear (pictured) on the track ahead of him.

The photo is a bit soft—but Flood decided not to stick around to get a better shot.

According to Ministry of Natural Resources officials it is not uncommon for bears to travel more than 100 kilometres in a period of a week. It is also not uncommon for bears to seek out non-natural food sources such as household garbage. Residents of the County, whether town or rural occupants, are reminded to remain calm if they encounter a bear, don’t run, but rather back away slowly to put a safe distance between themselves and the bear.

MNR recommends the following tips:

• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.

• Put garbage out ONLY on morning of pickup.

• Put away bird feeders – bird seed attracts bears.

• Clean outdoor grills – bears are attracted to grease and food residue.

• Pick up fruits and berries as they ripen  don’t let them rot on the ground.

• Do not leave pet food outside.

• Put meat scraps and trimmings in the  freezer until garbage day.

• Do not put meat scraps, fruit, or sweet food in composter – turn compost regularly.

The OPP urge residents to exercise sound judgment and common sense with bear encounters and to simply stay clear of the bear and in particular a sow with cubs.

People can call the 24-hour toll-free Bear Reporting Line at 1.866.514.2327 and speak to a live operator who will be happy to provide advice on bear behaviour, how to avoid human-bear conflicts and how to remove attractants. Information is also available on the MNR website at www.ontario.ca/mnr under the topic Bear Wise.