Spring may have sprung early for Ontario thanks to Wiarton Willie’s expert predictions, but the cost of an early spring is sometimes not as nice as the weather.
The Government of Ontario has released a statement in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police urging caution as black bears have started to come out of hibernation. Due to unseasonably warm winter temperatures and a lack of snowpack, bears have started to emerge from hibernation earlier than expected in some parts of the province.
This has been one of the warmest winters on record for much of Ontario. The Hamilton airport reported a record-breaking 20.9°C on March 4, 2024. This has prompted some slumbering animals to end their hibernation weeks ahead of schedule.
OPP and government officials are warning residents that bears have a limited supply of food at this time of year. As a result, they are more likely to scavenge for garbage and enter properties in search of bird feed and pet food left outside. Bears always remember their last source of food and can travel over 100 kilometres to find it.
There are many simple steps you can take to prevent attracting bears to your home or cottage: always store garbage in appropriate containers with tight-fitting lids and keep your garbage inside if possible; wait until the morning of trash collection day to put out your bins; remove bird feeders and clean leftover feed from your yard; and be sure to keep outdoor barbecues, firepits, and grills clean and free from food residue and debris.
It is also a popular misconception that unleashed dogs deter bears and other wildlife. Unleashed dogs can actually lead bears back to owners and increase the risk of bear attacks on people and pets. The smartest move is to leash your animals, keep them within sight at all times, and remain alert.
If you do find yourself in a risky situation with a bear, remain calm. Don’t make eye contact and don’t do anything to aggravate the animal, including run. Back away slowly and, if that doesn’t work, try to make yourself look bigger and sound louder. It’s never a bad idea to keep bear spray on you while outdoors, and if a bear charges at you, stand your ground and use your spray. But remember to always assess the situation and determine the best course of action, as every bear encounter is different.
The Government of Ontario has opened its non-emergency, toll-free Bear Wise reporting line early this year, due to the early end of hibernation. For 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from March 1 to November 30, residents of Ontario can call 1-866-514-2327 to report a bear in their area. However, if it is an urgent emergency, call 911.
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