UPDATE: NewmarketToday photographer Greg King captures the rescue effort.
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York Regional Police are warning Newmarket residents to be on alert after a black bear was sighted this morning.
Police are in the area of Harry Walker Parkway and Stackhouse Road at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 29 to contain the bear while awaiting the arrival of Ministry of Natural Resources officers.
Pedestrians are urged to take particular care.
According to the ministry, black bear attacks are extremely rare.
When bears are caught off guard, they are stressed, and usually just want to flee. Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach. The noise is meant as a warning signal.
If you encounter a bear, do:
- Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
- If the bear does not leave, throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle or air horn.
- Prepare to use bear spray.
- If you are near a building or vehicle get inside as a precaution.
- Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
- If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
If you encounter a bear, 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.
