The Township of Georgian Bluffs is reminding residents to be wary of wildlife, especially as nicer weather becomes the norm.
Following recent sightings in the area of bears and coyotes, Georgian Bluffs staff is asking the public to be mindful of certain precautions that can limit negative interactions with animals.
You can help reduce unwanted wildlife encounters by:
Keeping garbage, compost, and recycling secured.
Storing pet food indoors and cleaning up bird seed or fallen fruit from yards and gardens.
Never feeding wildlife.
Supervising pets when outdoors, following leash laws, and always keeping pets under control.
Giving wildlife plenty of space and never approaching or attempting to interact with wild animals.
If you encounter a coyote or bear, stay calm, keep your distance, and slowly back away. Make yourself appear large, make noise, and never run. Bears and coyotes generally avoid humans, but may act unpredictably if they feel threatened or are protecting food or young.
You can report bear sightings to the Province’s Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 when there is a non-emergency concern about a bear. If a wild animal poses an immediate threat to public safety, contact the OPP at 519-794-7827 or call 911 in an emergency.
For more information about wildlife safety and prevention tips, visit the Township website at www.georgianbluffs.ca/wildlife.
