The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are trying to make sure everyone is “bear wise” this summer.
Representatives are appearing before municipal councils, including North Bay, to provide advice for councillors and residents. Councillor Chris Mayne says this is a good strategy to build awareness. He says they always tell people not to panic and what the proper protocol is.
Mayne says in his own experience a bear is most likely to run away as fast as it can. He says the Ministry is also working with local law enforcement to handle situations more humanely.
Mayne says local officers are reluctant to step in and destroy an animal. But he adds if there is a situation where a life is being threatened, a 9-1-1 call is probably the best call to make.
Mayne says dispatchers will try to find the proper resources to handle the call. He adds MNRF staff plays more of an advisory role now, so it can be left to the police to make a decision.
