Bear spotted along trail in Halton Hills

A warning has been issued after a black bear was spotted in Halton Hills.

The warning was given by the town after the bear was seen in Georgetown on the Hungry Hollow Trail near Mountainview Rd. Bridge.

The bear was in the area last Saturday, Jan. 27.

If you spot anything, report it at 1-866-514-2327

Here is what the Government Ontario suggests if you encounter a bear:

Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm.

Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach it. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal.

Do

• Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
• Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.
• Prepare to use bear spray.
• Get inside a building or vehicle, if you are nearby, as a precaution.
• Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
• Leave a bear alone if it is in a tree. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
• Play dead only if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.

Do not

• Run, climb a tree or swim.
• Kneel down.
• Make direct eye contact.
• Approach the bear to get a better look.
• Attempt to feed a bear.
• Let your dog off its leash.
• Play dead unless you are attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.

If a bear attacks

• Use bear spray and immediately leave the area.
• Fight back with everything you have.
• Do not play dead unless you are sure you are being attacked by a mother bear defending her cubs.

If you own a dog

Keep your dog on a leash when out in bear country. Be aware that unleashed dogs can cause defensive black bear attacks on people. Unleashed dogs returning to their owners can cause a chase response that may lead a bear back to the owner. Take these precautions with your dog:

• leash your dog(s) to reduce the potential of dogs harassing a black bear or of being attacked by one
• check your yards for the presence of a black bear before letting your dogs out and keep an eye on them while they are in the yard
• manage your own safety first
• if you encounter a bear, remove yourself and your pet from the area as soon as you can do so safely