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Bears the area again in 2008 A bit of nature is visiting the township again this year, in the form of black bears wandering the wooded corridors along the lakeshore on their yearly search for mates and range. Bear sightings are far from being alarming or uncommon in the spring and early summer months and 2008 has been no exception. This year saw bears passing through the Kincardine area, as well as on Concession 2 in Huron Kinloss, South Kinloss Avenue and Grey Oxe Avenue in the Kinloss Township area. June is an active time for bears. Sightings usually slow down by mid-late July. The Huron OPP is working with the Ministry of Natural Resources investigating several alleged sightings as far south as Bayfield in Huron County. Constable Joanna Van Mierlo says that not all sightings have been confirmed, however some are valid. One report on June 11, 2008, says a black bear was spotted as far south as Bayfield. “Huron OPP officers are alerted to the increased contact and are maintaining patrols,” she says. Another black bear was seen wandering around the south-eastern part of Huron-Kinloss. That report came from a Grey Oxe Avenue man who caught the large black bear on film in his front yard on Monday, June 9, 2008 at about 8:10 p.m. The bear wandered around the house, checked out the flower pots and took off running when the home owner opened the door to get a better picture. That same evening, the bear was spotted again crossing South Kinloss Avenue shortly after 9:00 p.m. near the Presbyterian Church. The bear was said to have been heading towards Lucknow before making its way into the bush. Conservation officials with the Ministry of Natural Resources say the bear seen in that area may have been the same bear seen about a week before in the Wroxeter area and Turnberry Township area. Van Mierlo says bears live all over Ontario but can travel very far in short periods of time looking for food. If you encounter a bear and there is immediate danger, citizens are advised to call 911, to report non-emergent bear problems, citizens may call 1-866-514-BEAR (2327). “Any sightings will be investigated by both the OPP and the MNR and every attempt will be made to remove the bear from the area without harming it,” she says. According to the MNR, Black bears rarely attack people. “While they can be dangerous, they are actually very timid animals. Since the early 1900s there have been fewer than 70 deaths in North American as a result of black bears,” they say. This however does not mean residents should take bears lightly. “While injuries and attacks are rare, we need to remember that bears are easily attracted to places where people live. Bears are attracted to communities by things like garbage, bird and pet food, and smells like grease and food residue on barbecues. They will investigate these non-natural food sources. If bears are successful at getting food they will return again and again. They will also lose their natural fear of humans if they are successful at finding food where humans live, camp, work or recreate.” “Problems with bears are usually created by people. By following these tips every spring, summer and fall, you can avoid attracting bears to your property.” Keep bears out of your neighbourhood: “You may not even know you are doing it. You could be attracting bears onto your property and into your community. Garbage is the main reason why bears are drawn into communities. Bird and pet food, greasy barbecues and ripe or decaying fruit, berries and vegetables are other invitations to bears to forage for food in your yard. This is not good for you, for your neighbours or for bears.” Garbage: Eliminate odours. Put garbage in containers that have tight fitting lids, and only put it out on the morning of garbage day, not the night before Whenever possible, store garbage in bear-resistant containers, or indoors (house, shed, garage). Do not store garbage in plywood boxes, old freezers or vehicles Put meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day If you do not have curbside pick up, take your garbage to the dump often Frequently wash garbage cans and recycle containers and lids with a strong smelling disinfectant Bird/Pet food: Fill bird feeders only through the winter months Do not leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors, not outside or in screened in areas or porches Avoid landscaping with trees, shrubs or plants that produce food known to attract bears (some examples include crab apple trees, mountain ash, beech and oak). Do not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter Smells: Be aware that cooking odours can attract bears Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use Learn about bears, their needs and behaviour. Share your knowledge with others. Encourage your neighbours and your community to practice Bear Wise habits. It takes everyone working together to keep bears away. About Black Bears: Bears usually avoid humans. Black bears live throughout most of Ontario. They primarily inhabit forested areas where they are best able to find food, refuge and den sites. Their entire life evolves around food. When they are not hibernating, bears spend most of their time looking for food. From the time they come out of hibernation until berry crops are available, bears live off their stored fat and the limited energy provided by fresh spring greens. They get most of their food energy by feeding on summer berry crops like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. In the fall, they turn their attention to hazel nuts, mountain ash, acorns and beech nuts. While black bears will eat carrion, insects, fish, deer and moose calves, the bulk of their diet is plant material. Their natural preference is to find lots of high-energy food, like huge berry patches, that will help them fatten up fast. Their survival and ability to have and raise young depend on their ability to double their weight before going into winter hibernation. The availability of their natural food varies from abundant, to normal to poor. When natural food sources are poor, black bears will travel long distances to seek out alternative sources of food. Bears usually avoid humans. But they are attracted into urban and semi urban areas to get food. They will topple bird feeders, ransack barbecues, raid garbage cans and even try to enter buildings. When they learn that they can find food where people live, bears will return again and again. Most bear problems can be averted by people. Remove or control things known to attract bears. This will keep people safe and bears wild. Trapping, relocating or killing bears does not keep bears out of your neighbourhood. As long as attractants are present, bears will come. To report bear problems, contact the Bear Reporting Line at 1-866-514-2327 (1-866-514-BEAR) If your personal safety is threatened, you are urged to call your local police or 911. |
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