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The province and the Ontario Provincial Police are reminding residents to be cautious as bears begin to come out of hibernation.

In Ontario, black bears wake up from hibernation between mid-March and late April.

During this time of year, there is little natural food for bears, causing them to search for other food sources, including garbage and bird feed.

The following precautions are being suggested to help keep you safe:

• Never feed or approach bears
• Store garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids, preferably indoors
• Wait until pickup day to put out garbage for collection
• Remove bird feeders for the spring and summer (instead you can offer birds natural alternatives such as flowers, nesting boxes or fresh water)
• Clean food residue from outdoor barbecue grills and grease traps after each use
• Keep dogs on leash and store pet food indoors
• Alert your neighbours about bear activity and share these tips to reduce attractants in your community

The province operates a non-emergency phone line to report bear sightings.

The line, 1-866-514-2327 is open and is available 24/7 until November 30.

If a bear is posing an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, remain calm and call 911 or your local police department.

For more information click here.