Press Release
Callers to Ontario’s toll-free “Bear Wise” information and reporting line now will connect directly with a live operator during bear season.
Based on the four cornerstones of reporting (response, prevention, education and awareness), “Bear Wise” teaches people about black bears and the known and preventable causes of human-bear conflicts.
The program teaches people how to not attract bears to their property and keep bears wild.
The bear information and reporting line is a toll-free number available 24 hours a day from April to November.
The program also supports the development of local prevention programs, partnerships with police to respond to human-bear incidents, and education and awareness products.
“Each year, the ‘Bear Wise’ website and phone line help thousands of people find out more about bears,” noted Natural Resources minister Donna Cansfield.
“It is important to know what to do if you encounter a bear, and also how to keep bears from your neighbourhood.
“We look forward once again to working with our partners to improve community safety and awareness,” she added.
