bearAt approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, police received a call regarding a bear in the area of 6th Ave. between Cedar and Balsam Sts. Police attended the area and located the animal in a residential back yard. As the bear was some distance away from any bush line, there was no reasonable way to move the bear along to a safe location. In the interest of public safety, the bear was dispatched by police.
In 2015, police have received 230 bear calls, with more than 50 calls received during the month of September alone. Sunday’s incident marks the first time this year that a bear has been dispatched by police. The majority of bear calls have resulted in the animals returning to the bush on their own, being moved along by police officers, or being relocated by Ministry of Natural Resources technicians.
With fall approaching, bears may venture into residential areas in search of food as they prepare for hibernation. It is important that residents promptly pick any fruit from fruit trees, and collect fruit that may have fallen to the ground. Rotting fruit during fall months is a significant attractant for bears. Residents are also reminded to place garbage at the curb the morning of pick-up only, clean barbecues after use, and remove other attractants such as pet food. By following these steps, residents can help to minimize bear encounters in urban areas.