Bear activity on rise in town

Black bears are on the move once again, with several reported sightings of bear activity within town limits over the past week.
“The bears are moving into town again—it’s just that time of year again,” said town Bylaw Enforcement/Animal Control officer “Plum” Byrnes.
“We’ve had some calls from residents reporting bears in the north and east end of town,” she added.
Every August, bear activity goes on the rise because the animals are beginning to prepare for winter hibernation.
Also by mid-August, berry season in Northwestern Ontario has concluded and most of the wild fruits and vegetation have dried up, forcing the bears to search for new food sources.
“Our bear activity is on the increase because there is less food in the forests at this particular point in the season,” noted Byrnes.
Last week, town bylaw officers were called to the Phair Avenue park area because a nearby resident reported a bear to be active there.
The officers subsequently had to dispatch the bear, which was known to be a repeat offender due to the tag it was sporting on its right ear.
The officers also have had to place live traps in different locations around town, and are warning residents to be aware of them and to stay away from the devices.
Heading into bear season, Byrnes is asking residents to take extra precautions to avoid nuisance bears.
In order to avoid attracting pesky bruins, people should wait to put their garbage bags and containers out until the morning of garbage collection instead of the night before.
As well, all garbage and recycling containers should be kept locked in the garage 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 is no pet food left lying around the yard.
When using the barbecue, make sure no added garbage is left in the area and the grill is covered to keep scents from lingering.
If you spot a bear, Byrnes said people are to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call the “BearWise” hotline at 1-866-514-2327.
“Please do not call 9-1-1 in the case of a bear report,” she stressed.
Residents also may contact the Town of Fort Frances to report bear problems at 274-5323.