Bear-sighting in Lake Huron Highlands, north of Town of Kincardine, Tuesday night

It was quite a sight Halloween night, and it certainly wasn't someone in costume.

Sarah and Phil Chisholm and their family had just returned from trick-or-treating, Tuesday night, at their home on Birchwood Avenue in the Lake Huron Highlands subdivision, west of the B-line (Bruce County Road 23), when they saw an animal in the backyard, near the gate and their pond.

Sarah Chisholm grabbed her camera and captured a photo of the bear and later reported it to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

"They (MNR officials) have suggested that all people who have had contact with the bear on Bruce County Road 23, call them and they can make a report to the bear-removal technician," she said. "The more information they have, the better they can deal with the situation. They would like to be able to remove the bear without any situations. The phone number to make a report is 1-866-514-2327."



This black bear was seen in a backyard along Birchwood Avenue in the Lake Huron Highlands subdivision, west of the B-line, Tuesday night; photo by Sarah Chisholm

South Bruce OPP constable Kevin Martin, community services officer, offers this advice from Bear Wise.

The potential for human-bear conflict increases when there is little natural food available for bears. If this happens, black bears will search for other food sources, such as garbage and bird feed, which can draw bears to populated areas.

Follow these instructions to minimize the chance of attracting bears:
 

• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Put out garbage only on the morning of pick-up.
• Put away bird feeders. Seed, suet and nectar attract bears.
• Pick fruit and berries as they ripen. Don't let them rot on the ground.
• Clean outdoor barbecue grills after each use, including the grease trap underneath. Bears will be drawn by smells from great distances, including grease and food residue on grills. 
• Keep dogs on-leash; sometimes bears will follow off-leash dogs back to you.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police. The police may request support from the MNR to respond to emergency situations, on a case-by-case basis.

For non-emergencies, the MNR operates the toll-free, 24/7 Bear Reporting Line (1-866-514-2327) and the Bear Wise website to provide the public with information and advice.