Before you leave the cottage

Before you go:

• Remove your garbage. Take it home or drop it off at the dump on your way out
• Use a strong disinfectant to eliminate all odours from garbage and recycling containers and lids
• Never discard cooking grease outside. Instead, place it in a container with a lid, transfer it to a plastic bag, and put in with other properly stored garbage
• Take your barbecue with you when you leave the cottage, or store it in a secure shed. Make sure it is clean
• Do not leave any food or food scraps outdoors for pets or other wildlife
• When packing up, remember to remove all the food from the inside of your cottage – a box of pudding or fruit-flavoured dessert mix may be all it takes to attract the bear
• Do not leave scented products outside. Even non-food items like suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap and candles may attract bears
• Close and lock all windows and doors
• If you are away for an extended period of time, have a neighbour or someone in the area occasionally do a walk around to look for signs of a bear visitor or break in. Let the person know where and how to contact you

 Download a PDF version of this fact sheet.

IN AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY:
contact your local police force or dial 911

TO REPORT BEAR PROBLEMS: contact the Bear Reporting Line at:
1-866-514-BEAR (2327)   (TTY) 705 945-7641