Video: Bear uses local pond to cool off in Beaverton

When the first full day of summer is a scorcher, everybody needs to beat the heat. Even bears.

A Hold and Secure was briefly in place at Beaverton Public School after a young bear was spotted near Lakeland Crescent in the Lake Simcoe community. Durham Police were on the scene and Natural Resources officers were notified. The message to locals was simple: Please don’t approach the bear.

Turned out the bear was just hot and desperate for some relief after he was spotted swimming in a resident’s pond, according to a statement on Twitter from police. “Thank you for everyone’s patience and understanding, we are happy to hear that the bear made it to a nearby green space He was found swimming in someone’s pond, possibly cooling off from the heat. Have a great day everyone.”

The bear eventually wandered into the forest north-east of and away from Beaverton. Police are satisfied there is no public safety risk at this time.

North Division Officers are dealing with a bear in the area of Lakeland Cres and King St, #Beaverton. Please remain out of the area and be aware of your surroundings. #BrockTownship #DurhamVisionZero @TownshipOfBrock @TwpofScugog @twpuxbridge pic.twitter.com/srWnacaXh3

— North Division (@DRPSNorthDiv) June 22, 2022