Don’t let Yogi snatch your picnic basket this long weekend.
If you’re heading out to the lake for the Labour Day long weekend, there’s chance you might have a face-to-face encounter with a bear. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources has released the following tip sheet that will help you avoid bear encounters while camping.
Know before you go:
• You are responsible for your own safety. Plan your trip with safety in mind. Before you go, learn about black bears to recognize signs of bear activity (like tracks and droppings), and how to prevent and handle encounters with bears.
• Think about how you will handle your garbage, and how you will keep your campsite clean and odour free.
• Pack long ropes for hanging your food pack. Practise hanging a pack before you go. If you are bringing children, always keep an eye on them. When hiking, it is wise to keep children between adults.
• Consider bringing a whistle, air horn, long-handled axe or bear spray. If you bring bear spray, know how to use it.
• Before you leave home, discuss bears with children. Teach children simple things like making sure they can always see an adult; to never approach a bear or other animals; to never run from a bear and, if they see a bear, to stay calm and call for help.
• Keep dogs away from bears. The bear may follow the dog back to its owner.
• All odours attract bears. Pack all food, including dog food, with special care. Double or triple bagged food will reduce smells. Consider choosing meals that require minimal preparation.
• The Ministry of Natural Resources or Ontario Parks can provide general information about recent campsite or route closures due to bear problems. Keep in mind, however, that bear activity cannot be predicted.
