It’s September, and local bears are entering a critical phase called hyperphagia. During this time, bears forage almost constantly to consume up to 20,000 calories a day to build up fat reserves before hibernation. With wild natural foods dwindling, human food sources like trash, bird seed, and BBQs become top targets.
Whether you’re packing up the cottage for the season or just heading out between weekend stays, taking a few extra precautions can help keep both your property and the bear population safe.
Cottage Closing Checklist:
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Dispose of All Garbage: Take waste home or drop it at an approved waste facility.
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Neutralize Odours: Disinfect garbage and recycling containers using strong cleaners.
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Never Dump Cooking Oil Outside: Seal used grease in a container, bag it, and dispose of it with secure garbage.
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Clean & Store BBQs: Scrub grills thoroughly and store them inside a locked shed or garage.
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Remove Pantry Items: Clear out indoor food entirely—unopened items like dessert and pudding mixes still attract bears.
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Store Scented Items Indoors: Bring in items like candles, soaps, suntan lotion, and insect repellent.
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Take Down Bird Feeders: Store feeders until deep winter; bird seed is a high-calorie prize for foraging bears.
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Lock Up Securely: Close and lock all doors and windows. If leaving for extended periods, ask a neighbor to check in for signs of break-ins.
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Educate Renters: Remind tenants and guests about local Bear Wise safety rules.
If You Encounter a Bear:
Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm. Remember not every bear sighting is an emergency situation.
- Remain calm – often the bear is just passing through, and will move on if no food source is found
- Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight
- If you are near a building or vehicle, get inside as precaution
- If a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety, call 911
- If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone and remove other people and dogs from the area
- Keep away from the bear, and do not block its exit
- Keep dogs on leash and away from bears
Need to Report an Encounter?
If you encounter a bear that poses an immediate threat to your safety, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 or TTY 705-945-7641 if a bear:
- roams around or checks garbage cans
- breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored
- is in a tree
- pulls down a bird feeder or knocks over a barbecue
- moves through a backyard or field but does not linger
This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30 and can provide advice on how to avoid human-bear encounters during bear season.
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information.
