Not too early to think about bears

    While there hasn’t been many black bears reported within town limits yet this summer, activity is likely to pick up in the next months or so.
    As such, the town’s bylaw enforcement department is reminding people to start thinking about taking precautions to avoid attracting wandering bruins.
    “From our end, there’s been minimal activity. There’s been a sighting or two in the east end of town, in the Lakeview Trailer Court area,” bylaw enforcement officer Dave Egan noted yesterday.
    “But as of right now, they must be out there enjoying a good crop of berries.”
    Egan noted sightings in town usually start in August, but added “people can get into the habit of taking away some of the attractants.”
    Some tips residents can follow to prevent bears from looking for food on their property, and ensuring public safety at the same time, include:
    •clean up any garbage in your yard (garbage has been responsible for attracting bears to certain areas in recent incidents);
    •making sure dumpster lids are closed;
    •after barbecuing, burn off the grills;
    •don’t compost with open containers; and
    •leave the bears alone—remember, they’re wild and highly unpredictable.
    While bear activity at the town dump isn’t unusual at the moment, users always should be cautious of bears when disposing garbage there.
    Residents also are urged not to go to the landfill just to see the bears.
    Residents with bear complaints are directed to call the town’s bylaw department during the day (274-5323) or the OPP’s communications centre (1-888-310-1122) after hours.
    When reporting a bear, complainants should be prepared to provide the following information:
    •the location of the bear;
    •the number of times the bear has been sighted;
    •time(s) of day the bear is sighted;
    •possible attractants in area (birdfeeder, 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 then either will deploy a live trap, immobilize, and remove the bear, or destroy it if necessary.
    In other bylaw enforcement news, Egan said dog owners are prohibited from bringing their canine friends to the beach area at Pither’s Point until the end of August.
    As well, those walking their dogs in the park area must keep them on a leash at all times.