(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – On Wednesday July 2, 2014 a 29 year old male from the First Nation Territory of Muskrat Dam was sleeping next to a trail on Seventh Avenue in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. At approximately 9:23 pm the male was awoken by a bear biting his hand. The bear attempted to drag the male into a wooded area; however, the bear was scared off by a community member who struck the bear with a rock.
The victim was treated for non life threatening injuries at hospital and released.
The public is reminded to take precautions about attracting bears while outdoors and not to approach or attempt to interact with bears. Further information can be found on the Ministry of Natural Resources website at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Bearwise/index.html.
Anyone wishing to report a nuisance bear is reminded to call the Ministry of Natural Resources Nuisance Bear hotline at 1-866-514-2327. For issues of public safety contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.