It’s spring in northern Ontario and that means bear sightings.
North Bay Police report at least five sightings so far this month in the Fricker and Wallace Heights areas, in the north end of the city.
They tweeted a link to information on when to call 911 and when to call the Bear Wise reporting line for non-emergencies.
Police say call 9-1-1 if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety.
Emergencies might be when a bear:
– enters a school yard when school is in session;
– enters or tries to enter a residence;
– wanders into a public gathering;
– kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site; or
– stalks people and lingers at the site.

For non-emergencies
If none of the above emergencies apply, call Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327, which operates from April 1st to November 30st.
Call this number when a bear is:
– roaming around, checking garbage cans,
– breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored,
– in a tree,
– pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue, or
– moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering.

Filed under: bears, north bay police