With spring right around the corner, black bears will soon be waking up in Muskoka.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, bears typically emerge from hibernation between mid-March and late April, depending on weather conditions. Officials are encouraging the public to stay vigilant and take precautions to avoid encounters.
Micheline Mamone, provincial coordinator for human/wildlife management, says the most effective way to prevent bear encounters is to eliminate potential food sources around homes, businesses, and campsites.
“The best way to prevent a bear encounter is not to give them any reason to be there in the first place,” she said.
In early spring, natural food sources for bears are limited, making them more likely to seek out human-related food. Mamone says birdseed is high in calories, making it an attractive food source for a hungry bear, and recommends removing feeders altogether.
Garbage with food waste is also a major attractor for bears. Residents are advised to wait until pick-up day to put garbage out for collection, use containers with tight-fitting lids, and store in secure locations such as garages or sturdy sheds.
“Bears have a wonderful sense of smell; they can smell food from kilometres away,” Mamone said. “It is really important that we make sure that bears can’t find food in our homes or communities – because if they do, they have excellent memories and they will return to that site again and again to see if there’s more food available.”
Mamone says bear safety measures should be followed not just in spring, but throughout the entire active season. When camping, food should be stored in locked vehicles or bear-resistant containers like bear barrels. Dog owners are also advised to feed their dogs indoors and keep them on a leash, as bears may perceive them as threats.
When spending time outdoors in bear country, residents should stay alert, make noise, and carry bear spray.
If you encounter a bear, Mamone recommends to stay calm, make your presence known by speaking loudly or clapping, and slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, make yourself appear larger, and continue making noise. If possible, seek shelter in a building or vehicle.
While bear encounters can be frightening, Mamone says they are relatively rare and typically uneventful.
“Bears are really smart and really curious, but they’re also fairly elusive animals,” she said. “They don’t like to encounter us as much as we don’t like to encounter them.”
Residents can report non-emergency bear sightings through the province’s Bear Wise reporting line, which operates 24/7 from April 1 to November 30, at 1-866-514-2327. In emergencies or situations involving aggressive behaviour, call 911.
For more information, visit ontario.ca/bearwise
