Slow start to bear activity

Fort Frances bylaw officers say black bears haven’t moved into town yet, and are hoping it’s the first sign of a slow bear season this year.
“We’ve seen a limited amount of bear activity so far, and I hate to even say that because the season’s still early,” said town bylaw enforcement/animal control officer Arlene Byrnes.
So far, there’s only been 18 reports of bear sightings since June, she noted.
One live trap has been deployed in the east end of town near the overpass.
“We’ve been combing the east end looking for one black bear causing a little trouble in the area,” Byrnes said.
Bear activity in town generally goes on the rise each August because the animals are beginning to prepare for winter hibernation.
Also by mid–August, berry season in Northwestern Ontario usually has concluded and most of the wild fruits and vegetation have dried up—forcing the bears to search for new food sources.
“This year we’ve had a lot of rain and the berry patches really produced, so hopefully this will help keep the bears movement lower,” Byrnes said.
Nonetheless, she’s asking residents to take extra precautions to avoid attracting nuisance bears, such as waiting to put their garbage bags and containers out until the morning of collection instead of the night before.
As well, all garbage and recycling containers should be kept locked in the garbage or a secure building, where they are not accessible to unwanted animals.
Byrnes also suggested residents take down their bird feeders or stop filling them for the time being, and make sure there’s no pet food left lying around the yard.
And when using the barbecue, make sure no added garbage is left in the area and that the grill is covered to keep scents from lingering.
If you spot a bear, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call the “Bear Wise” hotline at 1-866-514-2327.
Residents also can call the Town of Fort Frances to report bear problems at 274-5323.