Living as we do in the Muskoka region, we are surrounded by the beauty of nature; this includes wild animals. When it comes to wildlife, viewing from a distance is best for the safety of everyone, including animals. Sometimes though, our animal neighbours come to cottages, or even into town, when seeking food. In a recent Muskoka News Watch article, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued an alert about our bear population and their natural food sources, something worth taking heed of.
With Autumn closing in fast, bears are putting on the pounds to prepare for hibernation. Unfortunately, the Muskoka region is one which has seen lower than normal wild berry and nut crops this year, which makes finding food more difficult for our bears. Human-bear interactions happen most often when there is food involved. With a lower supply of their natural foods, bears have been seen coming close to human populations.
With this in mind, the Ministry is asking for everyone’s help in keeping homes and businesses bear free. There are several things home owners can do, small steps that can make a big difference. Listed below are suggestions provided by the Ministry.
- If you have fruit or nut bearing plants on your property, keep them clear of ripening food. Do not let fallen fruit, nuts, or berries remain on the ground.
- Bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, should be removed. Birds should only be fed during the winter months.
- Keep garbage securely away until pickup day. For anyone with a dumpster, keep it shut and locked; use a bear-resistant container if you can.
- Clean your garbage cans or dumpsters regularly with disinfectant to remove odours.
- Barbeque grills and coolers should be kept clean and stored within a garage or shed.
- Pet food should be kept indoors at all times.
By taking some simple steps to keep your home from attracting bears, you can not only help keep your family safe, but bears too. When bears come into areas populated by people, if they can’t be safely removed, they may have to be euthanized, which is something to be avoided whenever possible. You can also learn more from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry through their bear-wise educational site.
The Muskoka region is a wild and beautiful place, and it’s one of the main attractions to our cottage way of life. Living here brings you closer to nature; we just want everyone to do so safely. If you are in the market for a cottage home in Huntsville, put the care and expertise of the Wearing-Parrott team to work for you. Please call us at 705-788-3535 or email at info@WearingParrottTeam.com today!
This information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable. The Wearing-Parrott Team does not guarantee accuracy; we recommend information be validated independently