Letter: A ‘bearably’ good bear encounter

On the afternoon of Sunday, May 24, I happened on a Conservation Officer and a City of Greater Sudbury Police sergeant in the South End. A bear was in a tree and the Conservation Officer was about to tranquilize it.

I was allowed to observe the event parked in a nearby driveway. The Conservation Office used a dart on the end of a pole to tranquilize the bear, which eventually fell a few feet to the ground. After the drug had taken effect, the bear was pulled into a special cage trailer. The police officer helped.

What impressed me most of all was that there were no flashing police lights and only one cruiser. There were no guns drawn, and both officers conducted themselves in a most calm and professional manner. The bear, a beautiful two-year-old specimen, was treated with the utmost respect and care.

This was a terrific outcome for one of our special bear neighbours — he was to be transferred to a safe area where he could be a bear again. It appeared to me that the procedures used in the incident were not only a product of great training, but extremely commendable police practice on the sergeant’s behalf.

This was a tremendous example of how a very appropriate way to deal with wild life should be conducted. It made my day.

My sincerest congratulations to all concerned.

The moral being: Be bear wise and smarter than the average bear.

Bears very rarely are a serious danger to people — unless, like any animal, they are cornered or threatened. If you encounter a bear, simply back away.

Of course, if you leave your garbage in a non-bear proof container, lots of bird feeders around your yard and a delicious-smelling barbecue, you may attract more than the average bear. Raccoons and other critters will pay you a visit.

Enjoy the company of your visiting bear. Don’t panic, but retreat to the inside of your home and observe this magnificent wild creature at a safe distance.

Lionel Rudd
Greater Sudbury