Black bear warning after bruins spotted in Caledon area

Brampton | Caledon | Latest News |

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Published May 18, 2023 at 9:22 am

Residents are being warned to be bear-aware as multiple sightings of black bears have been reported in Caledon and the surrounding area.

The Town of Caledon warned on Thursday (May 18) that sightings of black bears have been reported in Forks of the Credit, Terra Cotta, Orangeville.

If you see a bear and it is safe to do so, the Town says to contact Bear Wise Ontario at 1-866-514-2327.

Here are some tips from the province on what to do and what to avoid if you encounter a black bear:

DO

  • Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm
  • 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

DON’T

  • Run, climb a tree or swim
  • Kneel down
  • Make direct eye contact
  • Approach the bear to get a better look
  • Attempt to feed a bear
  • Let your dog off its leash

If a bear attacks, use bear spray and immediately leave the area. If escape is not an option, fight back with everything you have and do not play dead unless you are sure you are being attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.

Black bears live throughout most of Ontario and primarily stay in forested areas where they are best able to find food and den sites.

For more information visit www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise.

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