Owen Sound Police have received two calls this morning about a black bear in the city.
Owen Sound Police Inspector Stephen MacKinnon stated, “The first call was received at 5:53 this morning after a citizen spotted a black bear crossing 6th Street East at the top of the hill near Bayview School. The second call came in at 11:24 this morning as another citizen saw a black bear near 8th Street “A” East and 5th Avenue East.”
Officers responded to the first call and found tracks by the fence at the west end of the school property at the top of the ridge, but saw no bear.
Officers responding to the second call have been able to spot the bear periodically along the ridge between 8th and 10th Street East.
“We believe both sightings are of the same bear that has wandered into the city. The bear is not showing any signs of aggression but we want people in the area of the ridge/tree line both above and below the hill to be aware there is a bear in their area. We are asking people to avoid the area and certainly not attend to take pictures,” said MacKinnon.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has been contacted and are sending a bear technician to Owen Sound. They are advising that the bear will likely try to find its way back out of the city along the green belts.
Currently police officers are monitoring its movements. While the sighting of bears within the city limits is not a common occurrence there have been some in the past. Anyone who sees a bear in the city should ensure they, as well as any small pets, are kept inside their home and call the police.