Increase in bear sightings in North Bay, police warn

The North Bay Police Service is urging residents to be cautious after a recent increase in the number of bear sightings in the city.

While there haven't been any reports of aggressive bears, police said people should still be prepared.

"There is no immediate threat, but because of the high number of reported sightings throughout the city, we encourage members of the public to practise increased caution and awareness as they go about their days," police said in a news release Monday.

"The North Bay Police Service is also encouraging the public to keep their dogs leashed in light of the increased number of bear sightings. Unleashed dogs engaging with a black bear can cause defensive bear attacks on the dog and its owner."

The danger is a dog may return to its owner after going after a bear, causing the bruin to chase after them.

"Help reduce the risk to yourself and others by keeping your dog leashed, checking your yard before letting your dog out, and, if you do encounter a bear with your dog, remove yourself and your pet from the area as soon as you can safely do so," police said.

Tips from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry include leaving the area if you see a bear. Slowly back away, keeping the bear in sight.

Other tips

- Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave

- Only play dead if you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.

- Get inside a building or vehicle, if possible.

- Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.

Should you encounter a bear, do not run away, climb a tree, try to swim away or kneel. Avoid making direct eye contact or approaching the bear to get a better look.

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Never try to feed a bear or let your dog off its leash.

If you are attacked by a bear, the ministry advises fighting "back with everything you have. Do not play dead unless you are sure you are being attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs."

To report a bear sighting, the ministry runs a 24/7 Bear Wise reporting line from April 1 to Nov. 30. You can contact the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.

"During these months, this is the best place to report a bear sighting," police said.

"In an emergency or if you think the bear poses an immediate threat to people, call 911."