We’re fortunate to share our neighbourhoods with many wild species, including black bears. While we are used to seeing them roam through our streets and yards, and the bears are used to living near us, we need to always remember that they are wild animals. They are calm, peaceful ones, but if they are harassed or cornered, they can be pressured into a defensive response.
Remember: treat bears respectfully by speaking to them in calm voices, giving them plenty of space, and never approaching them or running away from them. Talking or calling out when walking on trails or in neighbourhoods will alert bears and other wildlife of a non-threatening human presence. This gives the animals the opportunity to avoid us, and prevents surprise encounters.
If you do have a bear encounter, we ask that you:
- Stop.
- Speak calmly to the bear.
- Keep children calm and close to you. Do not allow them to startle or approach the bear.
- Leash and control your dog.
- Slowly back away from the bear (do not run).
The Six BearWise Basics
To keep both ourselves and the bears safe, follow these six BearWise Basics to ensure that we can co-exist peacefully in our neighbourhood.
#1 Never Feed or Approach Bears
Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
#2 Secure Food, Garbage and Recycling
Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage. The North Shore Black Bear Society has great tips for keeping your home and yard free of bear attractants. Anything that attracts dogs or raccoons will attract bears, too!
#3 Remove Bird Feeders When Bears Are Active
Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears. Ensure that tree fruit is removed or picked as soon as it is ripe – don’t leave it on the ground to attract unwanted visitors!
#4 Never Leave Pet Food Outdoors
Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it. If you see a bear, leash your pet or bring them indoors until the bear moves on.
#5 Clean and Store Grills, Smokers
Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
#6 Alert Neighbors to Bear Activity and Report Bear Sightings
See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share info on how to avoid conflicts with bears. Please contact the North Shore Black Bear Society to report attractants or sightings:
Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears. Being a good neighbour will keep everyone safe!
