It is no secret that the black bear population has exploded recently in the Muskoka area, and that these bears have become more daring and bolder. This summer they have been seen roaming close to some downtown areas. The situation has been bad enough that officials actually closed outdoor recess at a public school during the final days before summer vacation and an employee at a local establishment was chased by a black bear narrowly escaping with his life.
The reason for this increase in population of black bears has been speculated to possibly be due to the cancellation of the spring bear hunt in 1999 although the Ministry of Natural Resources disputes this. Whatever the reason they are around and there are precautions you can take to avoid a run-in with one.
The Black Bear’s entire life revolves around food. Their survival and ability to raise their young is dependent on their ability to double their weight before going into hibernation. Bears usually avoid humans but they are attracted to populated areas to get food. They have been known to knock down bird feeders, topple BBQs, and raid garbage containers. When a bear realizes they can find food where people live they will return again and again.
Here are a few steps you can take to avoid contact with the black bear. You should make sure that there are no attractions outside your home in the summer such as; bird feeders (only feed the birds in the winter time); keep your garbage in a shed or garage and use bear resistant containers, feed your pet in the house, make sure your BBQ is clean, the smell of grease and food residue is a huge invitation to a black bear.
The most important thing to remember is that Bears will lose their natural fear of humans if they are successful at finding food where humans live, so the number one thing to do is get rid of all temptations to the black bear.
