Black bear population discussed by council

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A piece of correspondence from the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the management of Ontario's black bear population prompted discussion at Monday’s council meeting. Councillors talked about the dangers bears pose to farm livestock and the damage they do to crops. One councillor said bears are becoming more prevalent and are moving further south. Council decided to send the correspondence to the Durham Agricultural Committee for its reaction and also seek more information from MNR.

When asked if farmers in Uxbridge are allowed to shoot black bears that are causing a problem, Mayor Barton said it is allowed only in exceptional circumstances and any farmer doing so must be ready to provide proof that the bear had been a problem.

At this time of year, as bears come out of hibernation, there is little natural food for bears, causing them to search for other food sources, including garbage and bird feed. If a bear poses an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, remain calm and call 911. For more on bear encounters, visit ontario.ca