Bears Sighted in the Terrace Bay Area
Residents and businesses urged to keep food and garbage secure to avoid attracting bears
The Ontario government is reminding area residents to be aware of bear sightings in Terrace Bay and take the necessary steps to avoid attracting bears into local neighbourhoods.
In the past two weeks, there have been several bear sightings in the east area, including sightings around Cavanaugh Crescent.
It’s important to note that the same bear can result in multiple sightings. Bears are often attracted to garbage, bird food—including suet, seed and nectar—odours from barbecues, and ripe fruit left on trees or the ground. Removing these attractants can help keep bears out of the area.
Currently, natural foods for bears in this area are average. When the availability of natural foods is limited, bears will look for alternative food sources, often in populated communities. When bears cannot gain access to non-natural foods such as garbage, they will not stay in the area.
Quick Facts
If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911.
For advice about reducing bear attractants, call the Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY: 705-945-7641). You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season, which runs this year from March 17 to November 30.
Additional Resources
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise to learn more about how to avoid attracting bears and what to do if you encounter one.
Be Bear Wise — Know Who to Call
Bears may wander into public or urban areas in search of food, but not every bear sighting is an emergency. It is important to know who to contact if you encounter a bear.
Non-Emergency Encounters
Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY: 705-945-7641) if a bear is:
- Moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering
- Roaming around the neighbourhood
- Checking garbage cans
- Breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored
- Knocking over a barbecue
- Pulling down a bird feeder
- In a tree
This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is open this year from March 17 to November 30. Provincial staff can provide advice about bear behaviour, how to avoid human-bear encounters, and how to manage attractants in your home and community.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 or your local police if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety.
- Threatening or aggressive behaviours include:
- Entering a schoolyard when school is in session
- Stalking people and lingering on-site
- Entering or trying to enter a residence
- Wandering into a public gathering
- Harming livestock or pets and lingering on-site
Police are the first responders for any emergency. If requested by police, the Ministry of Natural Resources may help respond to emergencies during daylight hours.
Quick Facts
If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911.
For advice about reducing bear attractants, call the Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY: 705-945-7641). You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season, which runs this year from March 17 to November 30.
Additional Resources
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise to learn more about how to avoid attracting bears and what to do if you encounter one.