KENORA-The City of Kenora shared helpful tips for residents out and about in bear country, to avoid encounters with bears.
They listed several key tips that include:
- Travelling in groups of two or more—people who travel alone are most vulnerable.
- Scanning your surroundings and do not wear headphones.
- Watching for signs of bear activity such as tracks, claw marks on trees, flipped-over rocks or fresh bear droppings.
- Leashing your dog—an uncontrolled, untrained dog may lead a bear to you.
- Avoiding carrying strong smelling food that may cause a bear to be curious, put any food in sealed containers in your pack.
- Carrying a whistle or air horn.
When out camping, residents were reminded that bears are attracted to anything that looks or smells like food. Never cook, eat or store any food including snacks, coolers, cooking equipment or toiletries in your tent.
Even when you’re at home, Kenora residents are reminded that although bears usually avoid humans, they are attracted to urban and rural areas to get food.
According to the municipalities notice, “The best way to prevent conflict with bears is to avoid attracting bears to the neighbourhood by eliminating attractants,” such as garbage, bird feeders and barbecues.
Residents wishing to learn more can visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/bear-wise-tips-and-tools...
