Nuisance Bear Management

Nuisance bears have been an ongoing concern for many police services in Ontario, particularly those serving rural and northern communities. The government announced last year that it would take back responsibility for adequate funding and training for wildlife management personnel to help deal with this issue.

In the spring, the OACP and the Ministry of Natural Resources finalized a template MOU which is designed to assist police services in working with Ministry officials to more effectively protect citizens from nuisance bears incidents.

This template is provided as an operational tool meant to clarify the responsibilities of police and Ministry wildlife officials with regards to incidents involving nuisance bears. The template MOU should be customized by local police services and the Ministry to address the specific needs of their communities. Local police services are under no obligation to enter into an agreement with the Ministry.

The training or funding of wildlife personnel and public education are not addressed in the template MOU and is a matter being discussed directly between the government and local governments.

The Ministry has issued a news release regarding a toll free phone line (1-866-514-BEAR (2327)) now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to report nuisance bear problems. The new phone line will handle nuisance bear situations. In emergencies, the public should call 911 or police for assistance.