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Sudbury's nuisance bear problem gets extra help from the province

Sudbury's nuisance bear problem gets extra help from the province

Sudbury, Ont., is getting more support to deal with its long-standing nuisance bear issue.

The provincial government announced on Thursday it is doubling the number of local technicians available over the summer to help police assess bear sightings and immobilize the animal if it becomes aggressive.

The change means Sudbury will have four bear technicians in total — the most out of any district in the province.

Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault said people in the city are changing their lifestyles because they are worried about bears.

"That's when I said we should be able to find ways to do something more," Thibeault said.

"Something to help the community so people can continue to live the lives that we like here in northern Ontario. Walking our dogs, going for hikes, all the things that we always do," he continued.

"At the same time, we need to make sure people are safe and that the bears are being treated appropriately."

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will also be increasing its outreach activities in the community to try to reduce the number of bear attractants.

What to do when you see a bear

The provincial government is encouraging residents to:

- Store garbage securely and only put out garbage on the morning of collection.

- Clean food residue and remove grease from outdoor barbecue grills after each use.

- Put away bird feeders until winter.

- Keep pet food inside.

- Pick ripe fruit from trees and off the ground.

If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety, the provincial government encourages people to call 911.

Emergencies include a bear entering a school yard, trying to enter a residence, wandering into a public gathering, killing livestock and pets or stalking people and lingering at a site.

For non-emergencies, the province's Bear Wise reporting line is available toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-514-2327 from April 1 until the end of November.

Instances where provincial officials encourage the bear reporting line's use include a bear in a tree, pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue, moving through a backyard or field without lingering and breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored.