A black bear that was spotted wandering around west London Monday morning has been safely captured by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The animal was originally spotted in the area of Oxford Street West, near the bridge west of Sanatorium Road around 7 a.m. Police searched the area shortly after receiving the report, but were not able to find the bear. Roughly two and a half hours later, the bear was found sitting in a tree in the area of Commissioners Road West and Boler Road.
A representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) arrived at the scene, as did a crowd of onlookers.
"A large crowd had gathered in the area, and while awaiting the full MNR team, the bear began to climb down the tree at approximately 11:10 a.m.," police said. "Fearful for the safety of those who had gathered in the area should the bear run into the crowd, a London police officer shot and wounded the bear; however, the injury is said to appear superficial."
An MNR team responded to the scene and were able to safely coax the bear down from the tree after shooting it with a tranquillizer. The bear was then safely loaded into a cage and transported to a ministry facility in Guelph.
Police said the bear required minor stitches to its leg, however, it is expected to make a full recovery and be released back into the wild.
The incident has prompted a reminder from police that anyone who encounters a bear should remain calm, slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight, and wait for it to leave. If the bear doesn't leave, wave your arms and make noise.
Black bear attacks on humans are considered extremely rare but can happen if the animal feels threatened.
If a bear appears to pose an immediate threat and is exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, 911 should be called as soon as possible. All non-emergency encounters can be directed to the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.
A bear was spotted walking through a neighbourhood in Kincardine over the weekend. That sighting was confirmed by provincial police.
