TORONTO - The Ministry of Natural Resources urges cottagers, campers and municipalities to do their part to avoid attracting nuisance bears.

"Bears are attracted to any food source," said Natural Resources Minister Jerry Ouellette. "If berries and other natural foods are not available, bears will eat whatever they can get, including pet food, birdseed, compost or even garbage. They will also return to food sources they remember from last year."

To minimize the chance of encountering bears, property owners are advised to take the following simple steps:

* Store garbage in steel containers, or in airtight containers inside a storage area that is not accessible to bears.

* Put garbage out on the morning of collection, not the night before.

* Wash garbage containers and dumpsters frequently and use disinfectant to reduce odours.

* Wait until fall to fill birdfeeders.

* Do not leave pet food outdoors.

* Clean outdoor grills after every use.

* Do not put meat, fish or sweet food in your composter.

* Rinse containers before disposal and recycling.

* Keep meat scraps and fish parts in the freezer until garbage pick-up day.

* Use electric fencing to protect trees, orchards, beehives, and vegetable and berry patches.

* Keep your campsite clean; don't burn food scraps or fat drippings in the fire.

* Do not cook, eat or store food in your tent.

* Do not feed any wildlife.

* Keep food in the trunk of a vehicle, or hang your food pack at least four metres off the ground between two trees and well away from the campsite.

* Be alert for signs of bear activity; previous campers may have attracted bears.

* Regularly dispose of garbage (in some cases this may mean stop composting).

* Keep barbecues and picnic tables clean.

* Remove a hummingbird feeder if it attracts bears.

If people encounter a bear that they believe poses a public safety threat, they should call their local police or the Ontario Provincial Police.

Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, people can protect themselves or their property. The preferred option is to have an authorized agent live-trap and relocate the bear. Names of authorized agents can be provided by your local municipality, or by the local Ministry of Natural Resources office. The ministry does not condone the killing of wildlife where relocation options may be available. Property owners are advised to check with local police on by-laws surrounding the discharge of firearms. Bears killed in defence of property must be immediately reported to the local Ministry of Natural Resources office.

Fact Sheet: Province Reminds Outdoor Enthusiasts to be Bear Aware

For more information on living with black bears, visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/bears.

Contact:

Jolanta Kowalski
Ministry of Natural Resources
(416) 314-2106

Kim Groenendyk
Minister's Office
(416) 314-2301