Latest news with #BearWise
Global News
7 days ago
- Global News
Ontario police issue warning after backyard black bear sighting
On Wednesday night, residents of Erin, Ont., called police after a bear was spotted heading into backyards while looking for a snack, according to provincial police. They say they got the call at around 9 p.m. after the black bear was spotted in people's backyards on Pine Ridge Road. The smallish bear did not do much damage, aside from knocking over a few bird feeders before it moved on. 'I don't know where the bear went to after it was last spotted on Wednesday night just before nightfall,' Const. Kirk MacDonald told Global News in an email. 'There's a lot of rural and forested areas nearby and it likely moved into a more secluded area after dark.' MacDonald said the bear has made several appearances on social media in the area over the past couple of weeks after being caught on other people's security cameras. Story continues below advertisement He believes the tourist to Erin, a town of about 11,000 people located about 30 minutes drive from Brampton and Guelph, to be a yearling black bear. 'A yearling is a young bear (no longer a cub but not considered an adult bear),' the constable explained. 'At this age, they leave their mother and go off to find their own territory and food. They must eat a lot to build up their weight before they hibernate.' He said the bears are often in search of food from bird feeders or garbage. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Approximately a month earlier, another bear was spotted in Caledon Village,' MacDonald said. 'Every few years, we'll get a handful of black bear sightings in our County within a short time frame and then nothing for years afterwards. 'Occasionally, black bears will travel south through forested corridors such as the Bruce Trail, from the Bruce Peninsula and cottage country searching for food sources particularly in spring and early summer. They rarely stay in one place for long and avoid human contact.' A release from police offered a number of tips from the Ministry of Natural Resources surrounding bear encounters. The MNR says that bears aren't always a threat but people should be concerned if a bear exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour. Story continues below advertisement If you do encounter a bear, the ministry says to not block its path and to keep away from the animal. It also says to warn others about its location and to keep children and pets indoors. If you are near a building or a vehicle, get inside as a precaution. If you have an issue with a bear, call the the Bear Wise line at 1-866-514-2327 for advice on how to avoid encounters during bear season. If a bear approaches, the MNR says to back away slowly while keeping an eye on it. If the bear comes towards you, do not turn and run. Make noise, throw items and make yourself appear as big as you can. If those options fail, back away from the bear while acting aggressively towards a bear. 'If you are carrying bear repellent, make sure you are familiar with the product and how it is used, using it only if the bear is attacking you or is extremely close to you,' the MNR offers. Playing dead is an option but only if it is a mother bear which is attacking you in defence of cubs, the ministry notes. 'Fighting back is the best chance of persuading a bear to stop its attack, so use a large stick, a rock, or anything else that you can to deter the bear,' the MNR suggests. Story continues below advertisement
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Video shows black bear brawl in Asheville: Here's what to know during bear mating season
USA TODAY published a video of two bears fighting on an Asheville roadside. Here's what to know about the area's bear population. The bears featured in the short USA TODAY clip caused a dramatic scene with their scuffle. While the majority of Western North Carolina may not have witnessed a bear brawl, most residents are far from strangers to the black bear population. In fact, many of the animals aren't particularly shy, perfectly comfortable rifling through trash cans or even taking casual strolls through downtown Asheville. With the warmest months of the year upon us, bears are growing particularly bold in many areas, ready to roam and explore in search of food. Here's what to know about black bears in WNC, including common misconceptions, safety rules and more. NC Wildlife Commission BearWise coordinator Ashley Hobbs said in a 2024 news release that, while black bears are not generally dangerous and are rarely aggressive toward humans, people sharing territory with the animals should do their part to reduce the potential for conflict. Black bear safety program BearWise recommendations include: Never feed or approach bears. Secure food, garbage and recycling. Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Never leave pet food outdoors. Clean and store grills and smokers. Alert neighbors to bear activity. If you encounter a black bear, the National Park Service suggests: Remain watchful. Do not approach it. Do not allow the bear to approach you. If the bear is at a distance, feeding, or walking by and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.), you are too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same. The NPS says that black bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer, with mating usually taking place in July. According to BearWise, the record weight for a black bear is over 800 pounds. Male black bears generally weigh between 130 and 500 pounds, while females are smaller at around 90 to 350 pounds. Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@ This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Video: See black bears fight by Asheville road. Bear safety tips
CTV News
13-06-2025
- CTV News
New video shows black bear roaming grounds near Port Hope car dealership
A bear is seen roaming in Port Hope in this image taken from a video provided to CTV News Toronto. (Port Hope Hyundai) New video has surfaced showing a bear that has been repeatedly spotted roaming Port Hope, prompting a warning from police earlier this week. The footage, taken on Wednesday and provided to CTV News Toronto, shows the bear casually walking through a grassy area near a Hyundai dealership in the vicinity of Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 28. Port Hope Hyundai General Manager Wes Carreiero tells CTV News Toronto that the bear has been in the area for a week or so but is 'definitely smart enough to see the people and go the other way.' Carreiro says that staff at the dealership have nicknamed the bear 'Kona' after a particular type of SUV sold at the dealership. Port Hope police said earlier this week that while there have been multiple sightings of the bear within the municipality, there have not been any reports of aggressive behaviour. Nonetheless, police are warning community members 'to take precautions and remain aware of their surroundings.' 'If you see a bear in the area, do not approach it. Contact Port Hope Police or the Ministry of Natural Resources Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327,' a public safety advisory issued earlier this week states. Police say residents should never run from a bear should they encounter one as it 'may trigger a chase response.' Instead, police say that residents should 'remain calm, back away slowly, and give the bear space to leave.'
CBS News
30-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Bears spotted in Minnesota suburbs, DNR shares tips
Bear warnings are popping up at a popular park in the West Metro and across the state. The DNR says sightings increase this time of year. At Elm Creek Park Reserve, there's about 5,000 acres of forest and trails. "It's also not far from the rivers, which the bears use as a travel corridor," said Andrew Tri, the Bear Project Leader for the Minnesota DNR. Tri says bears aren't only up north, they're in the burbs. "We've had bear sightings in Saint Louis Park, Purgatory Creek in Eden Prairie, in Washington County there's tons of bear sightings," said Tri. "And then even over in Afton and Rochester." Three Rivers Park District says a group of the state's 14,000 - 18,000 cubs were recently spotted at Elm Creek Park Reserve. New signage warns park goers like Dillon Dryja who walks his pups daily. WCCO "It doesn't worry me at all. Black bears are usually docile," said Dryja. "I'm perfectly find with black bears sharing nature with us here in Minnesota." "We're more inter-city than most," said Jos Moss, who was enjoying the park with his family. "So it's a little shocking more than being where we're from up in Elk River." The Three Rivers Park District says that bears have been spotted in Elm Creek since 2020. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who keeps track of these sightings across the state, partners with national organization BearWise — who both have tips: Never feed or approach bears Making noise when you're out and about Hike in groups Keep your dogs on a leash Secure your trash and recycling (in a locked building or shed) Take your bird feeders down when bears are active Never leave pet food outdoors Clean and store grills Alert neighbors to bear activity Three Rivers Park District told WCCO in statement: "The resident bears at Elm Creek Park Reserve, spend the vast majority of their time in the portions of the park that are off-limits to people, and, should you encounter one, you have no need to fear. Bears are not a threat to people if they don't feel threatened. If you leave the bear alone, it will leave you alone. Most bear sightings that are reported in the park are of the bear running away." Per the DNR, black bears are the only bears in Minnesota. For more information and to report a sighting, click here.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers tips to protect livestock from bears
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides guidance to livestock owners on methods to protect their animals from becoming prey to black bears. Black bears tend to consume a mostly plant-based diet and are attracted to livestock feed, such as grains and corn. However, they are omnivores and opportunists and will feed on eggs, small livestock (such as chickens and rabbits) and larger animals (including goats, miniature ponies and alpacas). Raising livestock of any species in bear country requires BearWise® husbandry practices, even for small-scale, backyard operations. 'It's one of the most common calls about bears that we get and it's also one of the most preventable,' NCWRC BearWise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs said. 'Especially in the summer and fall months, I respond to many calls from the public reporting their goat herd or chicken flock have been completely wiped out by a bear. Unprotected coops and pens provide accessible food all in one convenient spot.' BearWise is an Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies program dedicated to helping people live responsibly with bears. It offers information and instruction on protecting chickens and helpful information for livestock owners and beekeepers. Proper husbandry practices are key to coexistence, and BearWise recommends the following proactive measures: Always store livestock feed and pet food away from the animals in a locked, bear-resistant shed or building, or in a bear-resistant container. Place livestock pens and bee hives at least 50 yards away from wooded areas and other cover that could protect bears from view. Confine livestock in buildings and pens, especially during lambing or calving seasons. Consider bringing livestock, particularly smaller animals, inside at night. Remove carcasses from the site and dispose of them by rendering or deep burial. Install electric fencing or own a guard animal. To learn more about safely raising livestock in bear country, please visit and contact NCWRC's Wildlife Helpline for assistance at 866-318-2401, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
