OPP Warning Regarding Bear Encounters

Press Release – Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police

Lanark County OPP received a call Friday, April 24, 2026, regarding a bear encounter in the Port Elmsley/Beverage Locks area. A person on a walk came upon a mother black bear and her cubs. The OPP would like to remind the public that the bears have recently come out of hibernation and until natural food sources become available they will be searching for food left outdoors such as garbage, pet food and barbecues.

Bears usually avoid humans, but they are attracted into urban and rural areas to get food. They are attracted to:

• Strong food aromas
• The scent of garbage
• Cooking smells
• Ripe fruits and pet food left outside

Bears do not like surprises. To avoid bear-human encounters while outdoors:

• Travel in groups of two or more-people who travel alone are most vulnerable
• Scan your surroundings and do not wear headphones
• Watch for signs of bear activity such as tracks, claw marks on trees, flipped-over rocks or fresh bear droppings
• Leash your dog-an uncontrolled, untrained dog may lead a bear to you
• Pay attention, especially if you are working, gardening or berry picking
• Rise slowly if you are in a crouched position so that you don't startle nearby bears
• Avoid strong fragrances that may cause a bear to be curious, put any food you are carrying in sealed containers in your pack
• Carry a whistle or air horn
• Understand the use and limitations of bear spray and carry it where it's easy to access (Bear spray is highly effective at deterring bears at close range)

Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 or TTY 705-945-7641 if a bear:

• Roams around or checks garbage cans
• Breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored
• Is in a tree
• Pulls down a bird feeder or knocks over a barbecue
• Moves through a backyard or field but does not linger

Call 911 or your local police if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour, such as:

• Enters a school yard when school is in session
• Stalks people and lingers at the site
• Enters or tries to enter a residence
• Wanders into a public gathering
• Kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site