Bear Sightings: What To Do If You Encounter A Bear

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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