While they can be dangerous, they are actually very timid animals. Since the early 1900s there have been fewer than 70 deaths in North American as a result of black bears.
While injuries and attacks are rare, we need to remember that bears are easily attracted to places where people live. Bears are attracted to communities by things like garbage, bird and pet food, and smells like grease and food residue on barbecues. They will investigate these non-natural food sources. If bears are successful at getting food they will return again and again. They will also lose their natural fear of humans if they are successful at finding food where humans live, camp, work or recreate.
Here are some precautions you can take:
At your home, camp or cottage:
- Feed birds only during the winter
- Keep your garbage away from bears
Outdoors:
- Learn about black bears, signs of bear activity and how to prevent and handle encounters with bears.
- Be alert. Keep your eyes and ears open. Frequently scan your surroundings to check for bears.
- Take extra precautions with your food and garbage.
At work:
- Have a plan for garbage. Use bear-resistant containers wherever possible and secure the lids at all times.
- If you are in “back country” learn how to carry and use bear pepper spray. Know its limitations.
- Learn bear safety basics. Know how to prevent and handle encounters with bears.
TO REPORT BEAR PROBLEMS: contact the Bear Reporting Line at:
1-866-514-2327 (TTY) 705 945-7641
In a life-threatening emergency, call your local police or 911.
