Bears making early showing in town

While black bears wandering into town are expected during the late summer each year, reports of bruins already have begun in the past week or so.
Bylaw enforcement officer Dave Egan said yesterday that bears have been reported in the north and west ends of town, including a sow and two cubs spotted near Wal-Mart on Monday.
Egan noted a particularly busy area is between Daniel Avenue and Pit Road, where the town has set a live trap.
“They’re not just passing through; they seem to be staying in the area, for whatever reasons,” he remarked. “It might be shortage of a food supply. They are actively pursuing the bird feeders.”
In one incident, the bear was trying to get into a composter.
The reports are cause for concern, Egan said, adding the public can do their part to curb ursine activity.
“People have to start taking precautions,” he stressed. “Usually this sort of thing starts happening in August but, like I say, they might as well get in the habit now of keeping things away that attractants to the bears.”
The following precautionary measures should be taken in order to prevent bears from staying in the area while ensuring public safety at the same time:
•put garbage out on the morning of garbage day, not the night before;
•do not leave pet food outdoors;
•thoroughly clean outdoor grills after use;
•discontinue filling bird feeders for the time being;
•do not put meat, fish, or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter;
•don’t compost with open containers;
•keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day;
•clean up any garbage in your yard;
•ensure dumpster lids are closed; and
•leave the bears alone—remember, they’re wild and highly unpredictable.
Residents with bear complaints are directed to call the OPP’s communications centre (1-888-310-1122), not the local detachment or the town.
When reporting a bear, complainants should be prepared to provide the following information:
•the location of the bear;
•number of times the bear has been sighted;
•time(s) of day the bear is sighted;
•possible attractants in area (birdfeeders, garbage, etc.); and
•what, if any, property damage occurred.
After a report is made, a bylaw officer and/or police may attend the scene, depending on the circumstances.
Authorities either then will continue to receive and monitor the reports of the nuisance bear, deploy a live trap, immobilize, and remove the bear, or destroy it if necessary.