Be bear wise

Click here for information on how to prevent bear encounters.

When to call 9-1-1

Call 9-1-1 if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety. Emergencies might be when 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; or
• stalks people and lingers at the site.

For non-emergencies

If none of the above emergencies apply, call Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327, which operates from April 1^st to November 30^st.

Call this number when 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, or
• moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering.