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Bear complaints nearly doubled this year

The Greater Sudbury Police Service is experiencing a much higher than normal call volume pertaining to nuisance bears with 720 complaints to date, an increase of 335 calls from this time last year with the majority of these calls coming from the New
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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has approved plans to expand Ontario's spring bear hung pilot project by five years. File photo.
The Greater Sudbury Police Service is experiencing a much higher than normal call volume pertaining to nuisance bears with 720 complaints to date, an increase of 335 calls from this time last year with the majority of these calls coming from the New Sudbury area.

Between July 31 and Aug. 4 a total of 110 complaints were received which resulted in 48 calls for service due to potential concern for safety.

Black bears are extremely hungry this year due to an unusual low volume of berries compared to previous years. As a result, they will come into the community because food sources are made available to them by citizens.

Bears have an amazing sense of smell and are attracted to recently used barbeques, garbage containers, compost bins, bird feeders and pet food.

We ask that the Bear Wise number (1-866-514-2327) be called for all bear sightings unless it is an emergency where a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety:

  • enters a school yard when school is in session; 
  • enters or tried to enter a residence; 
  • wanders into a public gathering; 
  • kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site; 
  • stalks people and lingers at the site. 

In order to prevent the presence of bears in your neighbourhood, everyone must be pro-active and be mindful of the following tips:

Whenever possible, put your garbage to the curb the day of pick-up instead of the night before. Clean garbage containers and recycle bins with strong disinfectant and consider the use of bear resistant cans.