03/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/01/2024 09:56
Bears may wander into urban areas in search of food, but not every bear sighting is an emergency. Know who to call 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:
This line operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and is open this year from March 1 to November 30. Staff can provide advice about bear behaviour, how to avoid human-bear encounters, and how to manage attractants on your property.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 or your local police force if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety. Some threatening or aggressive behaviours include:
Police are first responders for any emergency. If requested by police, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry may respond to emergencies to assist during daylight hours.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for tips on how to prevent human-bear encounters and avoid attracting bears.
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