NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON COUNTY OPP
(TOWN OF ERIN, ON) – On Wednesday July 16, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m. Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a black bear wandering through a residential area in the town of Erin.
Bear sighting in Erin – On July 16, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m. Wellington County OPP received a report of a black bear wandering through a residential area in the town of Erin.
Submitted photo
It was reported that a small black bear entered onto residential properties in the area of Pine Ridge Road. Except for a few bird feeders being knocked over, no other damage was reported to police.
Images of the bear were captured by local witnesses.
Bear sighting in Erin – On July 16, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m. Wellington County OPP received a report of a black bear wandering through a residential area in the town of Erin. Submitted photo
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR) provides public education and tips regarding bear encounters.
Keeping Bears Away from Homes and Communities
Bears that come into a populated area aren’t always a threat to public safety, but safety is at risk when a bear exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour. Below are tips to reduce your chances of attracting bears, and what to do if you encounter a bear.
· People and dogs from the area
· Keep away from the bear, and do not block its exit
· Tell others of its location and warn them to keep away, and bring children and pets indoors
· If near a building or car, get inside as a precaution
· If the bear was attracted to food or garbage, remove these items after the bear leaves to discourage the bear from returning
· Keep dogs on leash and away from bears
· If you have a problem with a bear, call the Bear Wise line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327 for advice on how to avoid human-bear encounters during bear season (April 1 to November 30).
If a bear approaches you:
· Slowly back away, watching the bear
· If the bear tries to approach you, do not turn and run – make noise, throw rocks or sticks and make yourself appear as big as possible
· Carry a noise-making device such as a whistle or air horn, and use it if necessary
· If the bear continues to approach you, keep backing away slowly while acting aggressively towards the bear
· If you are carrying bear repellent, make sure you are familiar with the product and how it is used, using it only if the bear is attacking you or is extremely close to you
· Bear attacks are rare, however, if a bear does attack, do not play dead unless you are sure it is a mother bear attacking you in defence of cubs
· Fighting back is the best chance of persuading a bear to stop its attack, so use a large stick, a rock, or anything else that you can to deter the bear.
QUICK FACTS:
· If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
· For advice on reducing bear attractants, call the Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327, Hearing Impaired (TTY) 1-705-945-7641. You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season (April 1 to November 30).
LEARN MORE:
· Find out more about what to do in emergency and non-emergency situations at https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise
· Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information on bears.
