Halton Hills confirms bear sighting near Georgetown District High School

The Town of Halton Hills has confirmed the sighting of a bear near Georgetown District High School this morning.

The Town issued a tweet on its official account after reports of the black bear sighting began circulating on social media.

“While most attacks are defensive reactions to a person who is too close, if a bear is posing an immediate threat, call 911 and please get in touch with Bear Wise Ontario at 1-866-514-2327,” said a Town spokesperson.

If you encounter a black bear, stop, do not panic, remain calm.

Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal.

Do:

• 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

Do not:

• 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
• Play dead unless you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs