BEAR UPDATE – OCT. 18, 2024

COMMUNITY NOTICE

For Immediate Release:

Kentenha/October 18, 2024

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police and Environment Program are notifying the community that as of Oct. 18, 2024 the location of the black bear that was first spotted on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) on Oct. 9, 2024 is unknown. No bear sightings have been reported to police since Oct. 10th.  The Ministry of Natural Resources removed their trap over the weekend and have not yet determined if there is a need to bring the trap back.  If the bear is injured, it may not be lured by the trap. 

At this time, we are advising the community to continue to be cautious and aware of surroundings while outdoors on Kawehno:ke, but we have no knowledge of the bear’s whereabouts and whether or not it remains on the island or has continued on its journey. We do not believe that a video shared on social media of a bear in Rooseveltown was a recent or related sighting.

If you do spot the bear, please report the sighting to AMPS Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000.   If you notice signs that the bear has been on your property, such as tipped over garbage cans, please notify our Environment Program staff at environmentprogram@akwesasne.ca. You may also contact them via Facebook. 

As a reminder, please follow these safety recommendations if you encounter a bear: 

·        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.