Bears with cubs were spotted on St. Mary’s College property twice this week.
The bears didn’t come near students, teachers or staff and there was no imminent danger.
When bears are seen on school property, the school will caution all students through the high school’s PA system.
“The first time a bear and three cubs were in the bush on the southwest area of the property and we kept an eye on them," said Larry Pezzutto, SMC principal.
"The second time a bear and two cubs were out in the bush between us and Old Garden River Road.”
On each occasion staff attempted to drive the bears away with an air horn.
The bears eventually wandered away.
“I've seen bears here each spring. They're here,” Pezzutto told SooToday.
“We lock our garbage dumpsters up but on one occasion it appears there was a bag of garbage and a bear was munching on that and tearing it apart in the bush. Our dumpsters typically are locked up to avoid that problem.”
The following information from Bear Wise Ontario was forwarded to SMC parents to share with their children.
If you encounter a black bear
Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm.
Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal.
Do
- Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
- Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.
- Prepare to use bear spray.
- Get inside a building or vehicle, if you are nearby, as a precaution.
- Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
- Leave a bear alone if it is in a tree. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
- Play dead only if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.
Do not
- Run, climb a tree or swim.
- Kneel down.
- Make direct eye contact.
- Approach the bear to get a better look.
- Attempt to feed a bear.
- Let your dog off its leash.
- Play dead unless you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.
If a bear attacks
- Use bear spray and immediately leave the area.
- Fight back with everything you have.
- Do not play dead unless you are sure you are being attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.