If you live in the Hazel Street, MacKenzie Avenue and Bruneville Road areas in Kapuskasing you are being asked to keep a look out for bears. Karen Passmore with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says in the last few weeks there have been a big increase in the number of bear sightings in those areas. She offers some simple tips if you encounter one in your yard, the first one is to call 911 if the animal imposes immediate danger.
“If you do encounter a bear we always ask you to remain calm,” she said. “Often the bear is just passing through and won’t stay if no food source have been found. If a bear is caught up in a tree, then leave the area immediately as the bear will come down when it’s safe to do so.”
Passmore with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says bears have a great memory and know where to find a food sources.
“This year we have had a delayed spring and the bears couldn’t find what they need in the bush,” she said. “So they found unnatural food sources like garbage and once they see that this food source is there they will return again and again.”
To report a bear in your area, you can call the bear wise line that’s available 24 hours a day that that number is 1-866-514-2327, Hearing Impaired (TTY) 1-705-945-7641.
