The Peterborough Police Service has confirmed a black bear is roaming in the west end of Peterborough.
Shortly after midnight on Tuesday (May 30), police received reports of a bear sighting in the area of Weller Street between Sherwood Crescent and Wallis Drive.
When officers and representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) arrived on scene, they located a black bear in the area of Homewood Avenue.
As the bear was not acting in an aggressive manner, officials determined it was not an immediate threat to persons or property. Police are now working with MNRF to determine the best course of action to deal with the bear.
Police are asking anyone who sees the bear to call 9-1-1 to report the sighting.
Police and MNRF officials are remindng Peterborough residents to be “bear wise” and take steps to avoid attracting bears into local neighbourhoods. Bears are often attracted to things such as garbage, bird food, including suet, seed and nectar, odours from barbecues, and ripe fruit left on trees and on the ground. MNRF advises that it takes only one property to draw bears to a neighbourhood.
If you encounter a black bear, don’t panic. Slowly back away from the bear until the bear is out of sight and get inside a building or vehicle if possible. Do not corner the bear or try to get closer to the bear for a better look or to take a picture.
For more information on how to prevent bear encounters, and for what to do if you encounter a bear, visit Bear Wise.
