Black bear spotted in Kanata now safe

Ottawa bylaw officers are crediting quick coordination with officials in the nation’s capital for the safety of residents and a black bear on Thursday.

In a post on X, officers said they were aware of a bear roaming the Herzberg and Corkstown roads area of Kanata. A portion of the neighbourhood near Wesley Clover Park.

At the time, they told residents to avoid the area while officers consulted with Ottawa police and experts from the National Capital Commission.

Several hours later, an update from bylaw services notes that the bear was “chemically immobilized” and was returned to its natural habitat.

In an effort to avoid a dangerous situation for wildlife and humans, officers shared a few tips on what to do if encountering a black bear:

• Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
• Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.
• Prepare to use bear spray.
• Get inside a building or vehicle, if you are nearby, as a precaution.
• Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
• Leave a bear alone if it is in a tree. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
• Play dead only if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.

Officials say the only time 911 should be called is if a bear enters a school area, is stalking people, tries to enter a residence, wanders into a public gathering or if it is killing domesticated animals.

Any other non-emergency situation people can call: 1-866-514-2327.