How to deal with panhandling bears: OPP urges the public not to feed wildlife

Recently, multiple communities in northwestern Ontario have seen black bear sightings, raising concerns among residents. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) warned that as the weather warms and food sources increase, black bear activity becomes more frequent, reminding the public not to feed wildlife to avoid danger.

Front yard "scare": black bear visits doorstep causing panic

A surveillance camera installed at a Red Rock resident's home captured an adult black bear strolling into the front yard. The homeowner said, "I was really scared at the time because it was too close to the door." The video quickly gained attention on social media, with many residents saying they had also seen black bear activity near their communities recently.

Police warning: feeding behavior may worsen human-bear conflicts

The OPP emphasized that improper human behavior, especially feeding black bears or casually discarding food scraps, can attract black bears into residential areas to forage, increasing the risk of human-bear contact. Police stated that if black bears become accustomed to food provided by humans, they will lose their natural fear of humans and may even become aggressive.

Safety advice and response measures

OPP reminds residents:

• Do not feed black bears or leave garbage outdoors casually;
• Store odorous items (such as barbecue grills, pet food) properly;
• Stay calm when encountering a black bear, back away slowly, do not run or approach;
• If necessary, call the provincial wildlife service hotline or report to police.

As summer approaches, police urge residents to be vigilant and take appropriate measures to ensure personal and community safety. If the public spots black bear tracks, they should report it promptly and avoid entering areas with frequent black bear activity, such as woods, alone.