Living with black bears

Should there be black bear sightings in the Newmarket area, the Town of Newmarket, Animal Control, York Regional Police and the Ministry of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the nuisance animal agent, will assess the situation and will act swiftly with the appropriate action.

Black bears are not normally dangerous animals. However, as opportunistic omnivores, black bears will eat practically anything. The Ministry of Natural Resources suggests that we admire them, respect them, but never feed them. If the food source is removed, the nuisance bear problem usually disappears.

Here's what you should know about black bears:

• They have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to the odour of food and garbage.
• They actively feed from mid-April to late fall in most parts of Ontario.
• They feed mostly on berries and nuts.
• In late summer, they feed 20 hours a day, ingesting as much as 20,000 calories.
• If natural foods are not available, black bears will travel up to 100 kilometres to find other food - primarily your garbage.
• Once they know where to find a non-natural food source, they will return regularly.

Here's what you should do:

• Empty garbage cans frequently and do not fill bird feeders.
• Use bear-proof containers wherever possible.
• During the early spring and late fall, keep garbage behind closed doors in a garage, basement or storage area.
• Put garbage out on the morning of collection day, not the night before.
• Clean your garbage cans frequently and thoroughly. Use disinfectant to eliminate odours.
• Do not leave pet food outdoors.
• Do not put meat, fish or sweet food in your composter.

If you see a bear, do not approach it. Report the bear sighting to the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-866-514-BEAR (3237). In an emergency call York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423 or dial 911.

For further information on bears and safety tips, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Bearwise/index.html