Most problems between black bears and humans occur when bears are attracted by the smell of and rewarded with an easy meal. When bears pick up a scent with their keen noses, they will investigate it - even at your cottage property. If bears are rewarded with feasts of bird food, garbage or pet food, they will return as long as the food source continues to be available. It takes all cottagers working together to eliminate these attractants and to stop bear problems. Here are some tips to help avoid these unwanted visitors.
What cottagers can do:
- Fill bird feeders only through the winter months
- Never purposely feed bears (or other wildlife) or try to approach them
- Put garbage in containers that have tight fitting lids, and only put it out on garbage day, not the night before
- Store garbage in a bear-resistant container, secure shed or garage. Do not store garbage in plywood boxes, old freezers or vehicles
- Do not stockpile garbage, take it to the dump frequently
- Never leave garbage behind. If you must leave before garbage day, or if you do not have curbside pick up, take your garbage with you when you go. Take it to the dump or to your home
- Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day
- Do not leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors, not outside or in screened in areas or porches
- Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use
- Do not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter
- Pick all ripe fruit off trees, and remove vegetables and fallen fruit from the ground
- Encourage your neighbours to practice good Bear Wise habits
- If you rent your cottage, tell your tenants the importance of being Bear Wise
- You are responsible for your own personal safety. Take precautions when you are in the outdoors. Visit ontario.ca/bearwise to learn more
Download a PDF version of this fact sheet.
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.
