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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-09-10, Page 7Bears are in Huron and accordingto the Ministry of Natural Resourcesresidents may just have to learn to live with them. Mike Malhiot, MNR area supervisor, was present at the Sept. 2 meeting of county council to discuss the bear issues in Huron. While several sightings have been reported, Malhiot said that only one has been confirmed. While he said that the news had caused anxiety for residents, there is less reason for concern than one might think. Malhiot said people have been “fed a pretty strong line by Hollywood,” regarding bears and said in his experience that most will run when encountering humans. Malhiot spoke first about bio- diversity and the need to sustain a health eco-system. “We depend on this life system to sustain us,” he said. Included among the 37 strategies developed was management of problem wildlife. In the human wildlife conflict strategy, there has been involvement from five ministries, and 30 non-government organizations as well as extensive public consultation. “The emphasis is on prevention of conflict,” said Malhiot which is aided by recognition of the guiding principles. Bears are native to Huron, said Malhiot and while settlement moved them out, a number have been seen here over the past decade. “We have a suitable habitat. The most that we’ve seen so far we believe are juvenile males. Adult bears have driven them out and the bears start to wander.” Malhiot said there is a ‘resident’ population of bears as close as the Greenoch Swamp in Bruce County. “We will continue to see them here over the years and I expect eventually we will have a resident population.” Whether people should be concerned or not, depends largely on how well they learn to live with the reality. “To approach the safety aspect you need to learn the biology,” said Malhiot. “Everything bears do is related to food,” he said, adding that during hibernation from November to April a bear can lose 50 per cent of its body weight. “Their survival is dependent on gaining that back. “ Describing them as “opportunistic omnivores” Malhiot said that majority of the material bears consume is plant. “They will make use of agricultural crops. They have a keen sense of smell, attracting them to barbecues and garbage, which often results in contact with humans.” The animals are also very intelligent and have excellent memories, said Malhiot. “Fortunately for us, they prefer to avoid humans and will usually run away.” However, he adds that they may lose that fear with repeated exposure. “We need to learn how to minimize the conflict, by eliminating potential food sources.” MNR has a BearWise program intended to teach people more about living with bears, which can be checked out at www.ontario.ca/bearwise. There is a report line, 1-866-514-2327 for “problem” bears. “Only when it become habitué to humans or aggressive will MNR take action,” said Malhiot. While they received a report about a bear coming up on a deck, and a trap was set, nothing happened, said Malhiot, and the next report of a bear was 12 kms south of this location.“We are continuing to monitor whatwe believe is one bear.”It’s when that bear’s future familystarts arriving that raised concernsfor Bluewater councillor Dave Johnston. “What bothers me is that bears are very protective of their young. If they start to move in we may be faced with some encounters that are dangerous.” “You don’t come between a sow and her young cub.” Malhiot agreed that there is potential for this in the future. “As we have more encounters people will need to become familiar with the dangers. Sows are protective but if a person backs off it will be okay.” Malhiot also said that when walking in the woods you should make as much noise as possible so you don’t surprise a bear. “If they hear you coming they will leave.” Encounters with little children was also a concern expressed by Johnston. “You are a landowner and your kids are at the back of a property. Well, I’ve heard when you encounter a bear stand tall. I believe more in drop the gun and run like hell. I’m not sure children would know what to do. I don’t want to see a tragedy with a youngster and we hadn’t done anything to prevent it.”Malhiot shared that concern andsaid community support is needed ineducating people. “ThroughoutOntario people have had encounterswith bears. Here it’s a unique experience so the best approach we can take is to get the message out.” Malhiot said MNR will continue to manage and stay informed and the hope is that as bears become more common people will adapt. He added that most conflicts with people are a result of a food source such as berries, not being available in the wildlife. “If the smell of a human food source doesn’t exist when they walk past they will keep on going.” Warden Ken Oke of South Huron asked Malhiot if there was any law against feeding a bear. “No, but I would persuade you not to do it,” said Malhiot. As for killing the animals it can only be done if there is risk to person or property. “A bear crossing a field is not life or death.” Director of public works Dave Laurie asked if dogs are a deterrent to bears. “How do they react when a dog is around?” Malhiot said that again it would probably depend on the food source, but generally bears will avoid confrontation. “If a dog chased themI believe they would run.”Malhiot said that the bear can cover 15 kms a day. “It doesn’t havea home range. It’s just wanderinglooking for food.”THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009. PAGE 7.MNR rep says bears on the move in Huron Bear with us Bears are moving their way back into Huron County and representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources say that the public can probably expect to see a resident population here within the next few years. Spring bird feeders are an open invitation. (MNR photo) September 17, 18 & 19 ® AUBURN CO-OP County Road #25, Auburn ~ 519-526-7262 Join us Thursday Night, September 17th for Live Entertainment and a delicious supper from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Lawn Mowers p r i c e d t o c l e a r S a v e B i g ! o n Barbecue s Save on Patio Furniture Huge savings on Power Tools Summer Clearance Sale under the Big Tent Summer Clearance on: Planters, lawn chairs, playing cards, wicker furniture, clothing and so much more Don’t miss this huge clearance sale happening at... W a t c h f o r o u r C u s t o m e r A p p r e c i a t i o n F l y e r By Bonnie GroppThe Citizen