Bear in South Crane Lake Road Area

Bear in South Crane Lake Road Area

There have been several sightings of a bear in the South Crane Lake Road area over the past few days. Thanks to those cottagers for reporting and Counselor Ian Mead for sharing with us. Please take a few moments to read up on Bear Encounters - full details are located at the Bear Wise Website. 

Emergency Encounters

If you feel a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety, call 911 or local police.

Non-Emergency Encounters

Call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 if a bear is: 

• 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 BBQ;
• Moving through your property, but is not lingering. 

Prevent Conflicts with Bears

Prevent conflicts with bears by following these steps: 

Limit Food Sources

• Put garbage in containers that have tight-fitting lids, and put them out only when you intend to take the garbage to the local transfer station. Take your garbage to the dump often!
• Frequently wash any garbage cans, recycling containers and lids with a strong-smelling, natural disinfectant. 
• Fill bird feeders only through the winter months. 
• Put away feeders in spring and offer birds natural alternatives, such as flowers, nesting boxes, fresh water, etc. 
• Do not leave pet food outdoors, in screened-in areas or porches.
• Do not put meat, fish, or fruit in composters outside (keep scraps in the freezer until garbage day). 
• Pick all ripe fruit from trees and bushes and fallen fruit off the ground. 
• If you rent your cottage, inform your guests of how to avoid attracting bears to the property. 

Keep your Eyes and Ears Open

• Travel in groups of two or more. 
• Make noise as you move through areas where visibility is restricted or where background noise is high, such as near streams or fast-moving water. Singing, whistling or talking will alert bears to your presence, giving them a chance to avoid you. 
• While outdoors, keep your eyes and ears open: 
  • Scan your surroundings to check for bears; 
  • Do not wear music headphones; 
  • Watch for signs of bear activity (tracks, claw marks on trees, flipped-over rocks, or fresh bear droppings);
  • If you are with a dog, leash it (uncontrolled, untrained dogs may lead a bear to you);
  • Pay attention, especially if you are working, gardening or berry picking; 
  • Rise slowly if you are in a crouched position so that you don't startle nearby bears;

If You Encounter A Bear

Do: 

• Assess the situation and determine if this is a sighting, a surprise or close encounter. 
• Make sure the bear has a clear escape route - don't corner a bear. 
• Always watch the bear and slowly back away until the bear is out of sight. 
• Get inside, if possible. 
• Leave the area if you are berry-picking, hiking, camping, jogging or cycling. 
• If you are with others, stay together and act as a group.
• If the bear does not get closer to you, slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. 

Do Not: 

• Scream. 
• Turn your back on the bear. 
• Run. 
• Kneel down.
• Make direct eye contact. 
• Climb a tree. 
• Retreat into water or try to swim - the bear is better!
• Get closer to take a photo. 

If It Is A Close Encounter: 

• Yell. 
• Wave your arms to make yourself look bigger. 
• Throw objects. 
• Blow a whistle or air horn. 
• Make noise to try and persuade the bear to leave. 
• Prepare to use bear pepper spray, if carrying. 

More About Black Bears

Ontario Nature (Federation of Ontario Naturalists) has composed a small guide to black bears. Click Here to learn more about Black Bears!