A trap has been set up and people are being asked to use other trail systems after reports of an aggressive bear at Hersey Lake, according to police.
Timmins Police received a complaint Friday, May 29 about a bear allegedly charging at a person using a trail at Hersey Lake Conservation Area.
"In this instance a person was approached on three occasions by an aggressive bear despite being sprayed with bear spray," said police in a news release.
A public advisory is being issued for people who use the trail system to be aware and use proper safety precautions. Timmins Police say they've consulted with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), and people are urged to consider other trail systems.
The MNRF has set up a bear trap in hopes of removing it from the area.
"As such, pets being walked in this area should remain on a leash in keeping with Bear Wise guidance and the stipulations of existing Mattagami Region Conservation Authority Regulations," reads the police statement.
If you're using local trail systems and encounter a bear, police offer these tips:
• If you encounter a black bear, please be mindful that quite often bears are caught off guard by the encounter and become stressed, and usually elect to flee the area.
• If such an encounter happens, the best course of action is to simply come to a stop and remain calm. Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
• If the bear does not leave, throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle or air horn.
• If you are so equipped, prepare to use bear spray.
• If you are near a building or vehicle, get inside as a precautionary measure.
• Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
• If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
• It is further recommended that, if confronted by a bear that the person confronted not run, climb a tree, or take to water.
• It is further recommended that persons confronted with a bear not kneel down, make direct eye contact, or approach the bear for any purpose or attempt to feed the bear.
• Most typically non-threatening intentions such as attempting to photograph or feed the bear will be misinterpreted as threatening or menacing advances by the bear.
Incidents with bears should be reported to Bear Wise at 1-866-514-2327.
