| bear_wise_mnr_on.pdf |
Thank you to the Ministry of Natural Resourses for providing this Bear Wise Information
If you would like to report a bear problem, call 1 866 514-2327.
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the local police.
Most human-bear conflicts occur when bears are attracted by smells and rewarded with an easy meal. When bears pick up a scent with their keen noses, they will investigate it – even at your cottage. If bears are rewarded with feasts of bird food, garbage or pet food, they will return as long as the food source is available.
It takes all cottagers working together to eliminate these attractants and to stop bear problems.
What cottagers can do:
Never leave garbage behind. Garbage is the number one reason bears are drawn onto properties.
If you must leave before garbage day, or if you do not have curbside collection, take your garbage with you when you go. Take it to an approved waste disposal site.
Fill bird feeders only through the winter months.
Never purposely feed bears (or other wildlife) or try to approach them.
Put garbage in containers that have tight fitting lids, and only put it out on
garbage day, not the night before.
Store garbage in a bear-resistant container, secure shed or
garage. Do not store garbage in plywood boxes, old freezers or vehicles.
Use a strong disinfectant to eliminate all odours from garbage and
recycling containers and lids.
Do not stockpile garbage. Take it to an approved waste disposal site regularly.
Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day.
Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including
the grease trap, after each use.
Do not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter.
Take your barbecue with you when you leave the cottage, or store it in a
secure shed. Make sure it is clean.
Pick all ripe fruit off trees, and remove vegetables and fallen fruit from the ground.
Encourage your neighbours to practise Bear Wise habits.
When packing up, remember to remove all the food from the inside of your cottage. A box of pudding or fruit flavoured dessert mix is all it takes to attract a bear.
Do not leave scented products outside. Even non-food items like suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap and candles attract bears.
You are responsible for your own personal safety. Take precautions when you are outdoors.
If you rent your cottage, tell your tenants the importance of being Bear Wise.
Don’t invite black bears to the cottage.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information on bears:
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the local police.
Most human-bear conflicts occur when bears are attracted by smells and rewarded with an easy meal. When bears pick up a scent with their keen noses, they will investigate it – even at your cottage. If bears are rewarded with feasts of bird food, garbage or pet food, they will return as long as the food source is available.
It takes all cottagers working together to eliminate these attractants and to stop bear problems.
What cottagers can do:
Never leave garbage behind. Garbage is the number one reason bears are drawn onto properties.
If you must leave before garbage day, or if you do not have curbside collection, take your garbage with you when you go. Take it to an approved waste disposal site.
Fill bird feeders only through the winter months.
Never purposely feed bears (or other wildlife) or try to approach them.
Put garbage in containers that have tight fitting lids, and only put it out on
garbage day, not the night before.
Store garbage in a bear-resistant container, secure shed or
garage. Do not store garbage in plywood boxes, old freezers or vehicles.
Use a strong disinfectant to eliminate all odours from garbage and
recycling containers and lids.
Do not stockpile garbage. Take it to an approved waste disposal site regularly.
Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day.
Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including
the grease trap, after each use.
Do not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter.
Take your barbecue with you when you leave the cottage, or store it in a
secure shed. Make sure it is clean.
Pick all ripe fruit off trees, and remove vegetables and fallen fruit from the ground.
Encourage your neighbours to practise Bear Wise habits.
When packing up, remember to remove all the food from the inside of your cottage. A box of pudding or fruit flavoured dessert mix is all it takes to attract a bear.
Do not leave scented products outside. Even non-food items like suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap and candles attract bears.
You are responsible for your own personal safety. Take precautions when you are outdoors.
If you rent your cottage, tell your tenants the importance of being Bear Wise.
Don’t invite black bears to the cottage.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information on bears:
