Bear Sightings: What To Do If You Encounter A Bear

02 July 2024

Bears have been spotted recently near populated areas in Stouffville. Bears want to avoid humans. Most encounters are not aggressive and attacks are rare. But if you feel a bear poses an immediate threat to your personal safety or the safety of others, call 911 or local police. 

Call 911 or local police, if a bear:

  • Enters a school yard when school is in session
  • Enters or tries to enter a residence
  • Wanders into a public gathering
  • Kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site
  • Stalks people and lingers at the site

Call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (April 1 to Nov. 30) if a bear is:

  • Roaming around, checking garbage cans
  • Breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored
  • In a tree
  • Pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue
  • Moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering

Think safety first and never approach a bear! For more helpful information about what you, your friends and your family can do if you encounter a bear, please visit the Bear Wise webpage on ontario.ca

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