Photo Supplied by the Province of Ontario
Did you know black bears live in most parts of Ontario?
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says being Bear Wise could help avoid an unwanted encounter while enjoying the outdoors this summer.
They suggest to make plenty of noise in heavily wooded areas to alert bears to your presence, especially near streams and waterfalls. Keep pets on a leash and stay alert for signs of bear nearby like tracks, droppings, or claw marks on trees.
If you do meet with a bear, keep it in sight without making eye contact and slowly back away while waiting for it to leave. If it doesn’t, wave your arms and make noise.
Remember: when you’re enjoying the Ottawa Valley’s campsites or hiking trails, you are in a natural bear habitat and planning ahead is the best way to stay safe.
Be sure your kids know never to approach or run from a bear and keep them between adults when hiking.
While at the campsite, keep an eye out for signs of bear activity nearby and keep your food in bear resistant containers hung up at least 4 meters from the ground and 3 meters from any tree limbs. Keep your campsite clean, and never eat, cook or store food, cooking equipment or toiletries in your tent.
Even your cottage can become an enticing target for a hungry bear this summer.
The Ministry says bears use their noses to find easy meals, so keep your space free of open trash cans, pet food, or meat scraps and sweet foods left in your composter.
They also suggest to clean your barbeque to remove food residue and to avoid leaving your drink fridge outdoors. Remove any open food from your cottage, and make sure all your doors and windows and closed and locked.
If you plan to be away for an extended period, have neighbours periodically check in on your property.
More tips and tools for you to stay Bear Wise while outdoors, at your home, cottage, school, business or farm can be found on the Province of Ontario’s website.
(written by Kasey Egan)