Report-A-Bear: Putting Bear Activity on the Map

For immediate release                          
Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Report-A-Bear: Putting Bear Activity on the Map

The City of Greater Sudbury, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Greater Sudbury Police Service are proud to partner to launch Report-A-Bear, a peer-to-peer online mapping tool for residents to share information about bear sightings within Greater Sudbury. 

Residents are invited to log on to www.greatersudbury.ca/bears to provide details of bear sightings including date, time, location, how many bears and specifics on what the bear was doing when it was sighted. Bear sightings may also be noted by emailing bear@greatersudbury.ca or by calling 705-674-4455 ext. BEAR (2327) and leaving a detailed message. All reports of sightings will be included on the map which will be updated during regular business hours.

“Often times a bear is found to be wandering through an area, not posing an immediate threat to the public. This is where the Report-A-Bear online map comes into play,” said Al Sizer, Bear Committee Chair and Councillor for Ward 8.  “Residents can now report the sighting on the website to let others know there was a bear in the area.”

“The ministry is pleased that the residents of Sudbury will have access to another bear reporting tool,” said Ross Hart, Acting District Manager for Sudbury, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. “The Report-A-Bear online mapping tool complements the ministry’s Bear Wise phone line which is a 24 hours, 7 days a week reporting line, providing advice on bear behaviour and avoiding encounters.”

There are two types of bear encounters: A non-emergency encounter and an emergency encounter. A non-emergency encounter includes a bear wandering and not posing a threat. Non-emergency encounters include a bear checking garbage cans or moving through a backyard or field. 

“It’s important to know who to call and when, in respect to bear sightings,” said Inspector Michael Chapman, Greater Sudbury Police Service. “If a bear is damaging your property, breaking into your home or threatening personal safety, that’s an emergency encounter that requires assistance. In this scenario, call 911 so Police can respond accordingly.”

The Report-A-Bear website is for information only. For tips on preventing bear encounters visit www.ontario.ca/bearwise. 

The City of Greater Sudbury, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Greater Sudbury Police Service continues to take a collaborative approach in addressing the bear situation in Greater Sudbury. 

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