Bear sighting in Mulmur

The Neville family had a surprising visit from a black bear on August 6.

Patti Neville said it was the first time in 30 years she had seen a bear in the vicinity of her Mulmur home, at the 2nd Line East Mulmur and the Nottawasaga/Mulmur Townline.

“It was very scary as it was only about 30 feet from the house and it demolished one of our birdfeeders. We made some noise and it departed,” said Neville.

She said at the advice of police, the sighting was reported to Bear Wise reporting line, as they record all sightings and can assist with problem bears.

Both the OPP and Bear Wise advised Neville to remove all birdfeeders including hummingbird feeders, not to put dog food or water outside, keep garbage and barbecues in a garage or shed and not to put fruit waste into an outside compost pile and to pick up any fallen fruit from trees. It was also recommended that Neville obtain an air horn and keep some pots handy to make a lot of noise to deter the visiting bear.

She wants to make sure that her neighbours are aware there could be a bear in the area and to take necessary precautions.

For more information, visit www.ontario.ca and search Bear Wise or call the reporting line at 1-866-514-2327. In case of emergency call 9-1-1 or the OPP’s non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.