With the Civic Holiday weekend fast-approaching, many Sudburians will be looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether it be camping, at a cottage, or just hiking on nearby trails, there's a lot to enjoy in and around the city this weekend. When you're out and about however, it's important to be cognizant of the fact that many animals, including bears, inhabit the area.
Bear encounters can be deadly if not handled correctly. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has released a set bear safety guidelines for all different situations.
Three common situations where you may encounter bears are while camping, while at the cottage or while just enjoying the outdoors.
In all situations there are some important tips to remember to keep yourself and others safe.
When camping:
- Look for signs of nearby bear activity (footprints) and consider moving elsewhere if a bear has been nearby.
- Always pack up all garbage and use bear resistant containers for food.
- Store food where bears can not access it, four meters (13 feet) above ground and three meters (10 feet) from tree limbs and trunks that can support a bear.
- Eliminate and reduce odours from your camp, clothes and vehicle.
- Clean fish away from your campsite.
- Never cook, eat, or store food in your tent.
When enjoying the outdoors:
- Travel with others if at all possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings: do not wear headphones, keep an eye out for signs of bears like tracks, droppings, claw marks on trees, or fresh droppings.
- Consider bringing along a whistle, air horn, long handled axe or bear spray.
- If you are with a dog, keep it controlled as an uncontrolled dog may lead a bear to you.
When leaving the cottage:
- Remove garbage. Bring them home or to an authorized place of disposal.
- Use a strong disinfectant to eliminate all odors from garbage bins, recycling bins and lids.
- Never discard cooking grease outside. Place it in a container with a lid, transfer it in a plastic bag, then put it with the other properly stored garbage.
- Take your barbecue with you when you leave the cottage, or store it in a secure shed. Make sure it is clean.
- Do not leave food or leftovers out.
- When you pick up your stuff, be sure to remove all the food inside the cottage - a pudding dish or a dessert with fruit mixture is enough to attract a bear.
- Do not leave scented products outside. Even items other than food, like suntan lotion, insect repellents, soaps and candles attract bears.
- Close and lock all doors and windows.
- If you leave the cottage for a long time, have someone you know personally to go around your cottage from time to time to check if there has signs of the visit or the intrusion of a bear.
For these tips and more, visit: www.ontario.ca/bearwise.
