Ontario is Bear Country

By following a few Bear Wise habits, people can discourage bears from visiting their homes, farms, businesses, cottages and property. However, it takes everybody working together to keep bears away from communities and neighbourhoods.

Ontario is bear country. Chances are you live near bears.

If you are not convinced that people can eliminate bear activity, think about this. In 2007, the leading causes of bear problems were the result of:

 Residential garbage
 Bird feeders
 Fruit trees

Help keep people safe and bears wild. Here's how you can get involved:

 Learn about bears and what can attract them to your property.
 Know what you should do if you see or encounter a bear on your property.
 Take steps to remove or control items known to attract bears.
 Encourage your neighbours and your community to practice Bear Wise habits.

YOU MAY NOT EVEN KNOW YOU'RE DOING IT.

Simply by leaving pet food out at night, leaving food residue on your barbeque grill, or especially if your household garbage is stored in easy to open bags or in poorly sealed containers, you could be inviting bears to forage for leftovers.