Photo: OPP Upper Ottawa Valley
On Friday October 19, 2018, just before 7 a.m., the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began receiving reports of a black bear roaming in an east end neighbourhood in the City of Pembroke. Police responded along with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Pembroke Fire Department (PFD). After leading authorities around east end streets for a short period of time the bear eventually climbed a tree in the area of Alfred Street. The bear was tranquilized by the MNR due to safety concerns for the densely populated area including a nearby elementary school and courthouse.
Responders caught the adult male bear in a tarp and it was successfully relocated by the MNR. (See photo above.)
The public is reminded that black bears that come into a populated area aren’t always a threat to public safety. The following explains who to contact about encounters with bears.
Emergency Situations
CALL 911 if a black bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behavior, such as:
- Entering a school yard when school is in session
- Stalking people and lingering at the site
- Entering or trying to enter a residence
- Wandering into a public gathering
- Killing livestock/pets and is lingering at the site
Ontario Provincial Police are the first responder in the Upper Ottawa Valley for any emergency situation. At the request of the police, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will respond to emergency situations to assist.
Non-Emergency Encounters
Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641) if a black bear is:
- Roaming around, checking garbage cans
- Breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored
- In a tree
- Pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue
- Moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering
This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week from April 1 until Nov. 30. Trained staff can provide advice to you about black bear behaviour, how to avoid human-bear conflicts, and how to remove attractants from your property.
OPP Upper Ottawa Valley (2018, Oct. 22) Joint effort relocates bear from east end Pembroke [press release].
