Ottawa Police respond to bear sighting in Bells Corners area
Posted Sep 13, 2022 05:52:00 PM.
The Ottawa police are monitoring the Bells Corners area in response to a bear sighting.
At approximately 12:30 p.m. today, Sept. 13, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) responded to a call concerning a bear in the 1700 block of Robertson Road. Once OPS arrived, it had returned to a nearby wooded area.
Ottawa's By-law and Regulatory Services in a statement to CityNews Ottawa said they are aware of a bear sighting in the Bells Corners area and are working with partners to determine the appropriate course of action.
“It is very common for bears to forage, especially as winter draws closer and they prepare for hibernation. In some cases, bears will wander into suburban backyards in search of food, including from bird feeders,” said Roger Chapman, director of By-law and Regulatory Services. “Feeding bears during warmer months when natural food sources are plentiful is harmful and makes them dependent on humans.”
Residents who encounter a bear should remain calm and slowly back away while keeping the animal in sight and wait for it to leave. If the bear is in a tree, leave it alone. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry also has detailed tips about how to respond to a bear encounter, including a toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-415-2327 to report non-emergency encounters. This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to Nov. 30.
Residents are reminded to contact the Ottawa Police Service by calling 613-236-1222 if a bear is an imminent danger to safety.
