It is springtime and the black bears are out in Sault Ste. Marie.

A second bear attack in Sault Ste. Marie has been reported, the last being on Friday night.

Just after noon on Monday a woman was walking her dog off-leash in the 1,000 block of Old Garden River Road when they came across a mother bear and three cubs.  They saw the cubs first and then mother bear quickly appeared and charged at the woman.

The woman’s dog engaged with the bear allowing the woman to escape, but the bear attacked the dog, resulting in life threatening injuries.

After the attack, the bear stayed in the area for about 20 minutes.

Police are working with the Ministry of Natural Resources on this matter, residents are reminded to use caution and reduce chances of an encounter by keeping garbage secure.

If you encounter a bear and it poses an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.

Emergency situations include:

  • 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
  • Stalks people and lingers at the site

The public is encouraged to report non-emergency encounters to MNR Bear Wise at 1-866-514-2327.

Non-emergency bear encounters include:

  • 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 barbeque
  • Moving through a backyard or field, but not lingering