Bear spotted in Springwater

NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGWATER
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SPRINGWATER TWP. - The Township of Springwater would like to make residents aware of bear safety information after an adult black bear was spotted near Gill Road and Gallagher Crescent in Springwater by a resident cycling in the area.

Bears usually avoid humans, but they are attracted into urban and rural areas for food. Removing potential attractants such as garbage, bird feeders, pet food, barbecues, fruits and berries.

Avoid bear-human encounters:

• Alert bears to your presence so they can avoid you. Make noise such as singing, whistling or talking while in areas with restricted visibility or with high background noise (e.g. near streams and waterfalls).
• Watch for signs of bear activity (e.g. tracks, claw marks on trees, flipped-over rocks or fresh bear droppings) and pay attention, especially if you are working, gardening or berry picking.
• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids and only put it out on the morning of pickup.
• Fill bird feeders only during the winter when bears are hibernating.
• Clean food residue and grease from outdoor barbecue grills after each use.
• Keep pet food indoors.

Not every bear sighting is an emergency situation, but it is important to know who to call during a bear encounter. For non-emergencies, the province operates a toll-free Bear Wise reporting hotline at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641). This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to Nov. 30.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behavior, such as stalking people and lingering at the site or wandering into a public gathering or residence, call 911.

If you see a bear, remember to stop and remain calm. Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight. If the bear does not leave, throw objects, wave your arms and make noise. If you are near a building or vehicle, get inside as a precaution. Tell your neighbours about bear activity in the area and work together to keep the neighbourhood free of bear attractants.

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