Recent black bear sightings in Ottawa Valley
Posted Sep 13, 2022 02:30:00 PM.
Police are informing the public on what to if they encounter a bear following six recent sightings in the Ottawa Valley.
According to a press release, the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has responded to six bear sightings in the Pembroke and Petawawa area since Sept. 1.
Police say that black bears entering populated areas do not necessarily pose a threat to public safety, but to call 9-1-1 if a bear exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour including:
- Entering a school yard when school is in session
- Stalking people and lingering at the site
- Entering or trying to enter a residence
- Wandering into a public gathering
- Killing livestock/pets and lingering at the site
OPP are the first responders in the Upper Ottawa Valley for any emergency situation. At the request of the police, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will respond to emergency situations to assist.
If it's a non-emergency encounter, the police advise calling the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641) if a black 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 barbecue
- Moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering
The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week from April 1 until Nov. 30.
“Trained staff can provide advice to you about black bear behaviour, how to avoid human-bear conflicts, and how to remove attractants from your property,” the release says.
