Black bear file photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / CCarvellBlack bear file photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / CCarvell
London

Possible bear sighting in London

London police are reminding people to know what they should do if they encounter a black bear after one was reportedly spotted in the north end.

Police say they got a report that a black bear was seen in the area of Adelaide Street North and Windermere Road around 10 a.m. Monday. The Ministry of Natural Resources has been notified.

The reported sightning is just the latest in the region. There have been over a dozen sightings of a black bear in Lambton County this month. It's believed the reports were related to the same bear.

In June of 2020, a black bear was spotted in west London. It was shot in the leg by police after making its way up a tree near Commissioners Road and Boler Road. The bear was rehabilitated and later released into the wild in Northern Ontario.

If you see a black bear, the Ministry of Natural Resources says you should:

Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave. If the bear does not leave, throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle or air horn. Prepare to use bear spray. If you are near a building or vehicle get inside as a precaution. Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away. If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.

It says you should 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.

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