Be aware of bears this cottage season.
That from a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry official, who says sightings of the big mammal in South Eastern Ontario are on the rise this year.
Jeremy Inglis, Provincial Human Wildlife Interactions Co-ordinator says Ontario’s Bear Wise program has had 803 reports of bear sightings between April 1 and early July. That’s above the 10-year average of 655 for that time period.
That doesn’t necessarily mean bear populations are increasing. Inglis suspects it’s because their natural food sources are limited this year, as a result of a poor growing season last year and a late spring frost, which killed some plants.
“They’re wandering more extensively, looking for food,” Inglis says. “So they’re more visible and more apt to come into contact with humans.
“We’ve had natural food shortages. Basically, that’s berries and nuts.”
Inglis says if you see a bear it’s ok to take a picture if you’re far back but people should keep their distance. He particularly pleads with people to keep dogs away from bears and to not have bird feeders up in summer, as they attract bears.
Inglis asks people to call the Bear Wise program at 1-866-514-2327, if they see a bear in a public place. If it’s posing a threat, though, call 911.
**Written by Stephen Petrick