BEAR SIGHTING ON KAWEHNO:KE

For Immediate Release:
Kentenha/October 9, 2024

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police are aware of bear sightings on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Police are advising the public not to approach the bear. Stay indoors. The bear will leave the area on its own.

Police and conservation officers are patrolling the areas where the bear was spotted.  They do not wish to see the bear harmed and will do their best to divert the bear from the area.

If you do encounter the bear:

• Report the sighting to AMPS Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000.
• Do not approach.
• Be loud – bang pots and pans, blow an air horn or whistle.
• Calmly create a safe distance between you and the bear.
• Keep children and pets inside.
• Lock vehicle doors as bears are skilled at entering vehicles.
• Keep lighting on around the home to deter the bear.
• Remove food sources.
• Do not interrupt/interfere a bear from feeding as this can cause the bear to become aggressive.

The bear is likely traveling through, swimming from island to island.  Do not bother the bear and the bear will move on.

 

GENERAL BLACK BEAR INFORMATION

What to do if you see or encounter a bear on your property.

Black bears live mostly in forested areas where they are best able to find food, winter den sites and refuge. With human activity, development and population increasing in what we often call “bear country” or “cottage country” so too are the possibilities for people to see or encounter bears. Knowing what to do if you see a bear on your property is being Bear Wise.

Every encounter with a black bear is unique. The following information is what experts recommend you do. There is no guarantee that what works in one instance will work in another.

Black Bear safety basics:

• Never approach the bear to get a better look.
• Do not attempt to feed a bear.
• Anticipate and avoid encounters.
• Know what to do if you encounter a bear.
• Learn about bears and their behaviour.
• When outdoors, supervise children and never leave pets unattended.

If you spot a black bear:

• Stay calm. Often the bear is simply passing through.
• Do not run away. Walk towards a building or vehicle and get inside.
• If you have children and pets, bring them inside too.
• Once indoors, observe the bear. Did it move on or did it stay on your property? If the bear stayed, what was it doing or eating?
• Encourage the bear to leave. Bang pots and pans, or blow an air horn or whistle. The more stressful a bear’s encounter with you, the less likely it is to come back.
• If the bear got into food (like garbage or bird food), or if the bear tried to get food, you will need to remove or control the item that attracted the bear once it is safe to do so. Never interfere with a bear that is feeding.
• Once the bear leaves, remove the attractant and assess your property for other possible attractants like garbage; dirty barbecue; bird or pet food or fruit or berries from your trees or bushes.
• It is possible for a bear to return even though you removed the attractant. Bears do return to places where they have found food. Once the bear does not get food, it will move on.
• Alert your neighbours about bear activity, and work together to keep your neighbourhood free from items that attract bears.
• If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Remove people and dogs from the area. The bear will usually come down and leave when it feels safe.