Bear Sighting At Point Farms Provincial Park

(ASHFIELD-COLBORNE-WAWANOSH TWP, ON) On Sunday July 15, 2012, shortly before midnight Huron County OPP officers were dispatched to Point Farms Provincial Park to assist park staff in warning campers of bear activity in the park and, if necessary, to assist in driving off the bear when spotted.

At approximately 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night, two park employees were on foot when a suspected black bear was seen running from a bush. Separate noises from nearby bushes led them to believe that bear cub(s) were nearby. The area where this occurred is in the very centre of the park at the bluff near the beach.

As a precautionary measure, campers in the park were notified of the bear activity and the nearest campers were re-located. Park staff advised that the bear has not attacked anyone or done any known damage. The Ministry of Natural Resources has been notified; they dispatched a trained “bear technician” to the park to determine what can be done to ensure the safety of the campers as well as the bears.

General black bear safety:

If you spot a black bear, stop – don’t panic but remain calm.

Do not try to get closer to the bear for a better look or picture.

Never feed bears.

Don’t run away, climb a tree, or swim. Watch the bear and slowly back away until the bear is out of sight.

If you are near a building or vehicle, get inside as a precaution.

Tell others about bear activity in the area; report it to the park warden and the MNR.

To report bear problems call: 1-866-514-2327

For more information, visit the following website: Ontario.ca/bearwise

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.