Due to the increase of bear activity in our area here is some information on who to contact.
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. Some 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/pets and lingering on site
Police are 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 or your local police at 1-888-310-1122.
• 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, open 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.
