This article from Cottage Life and the Ontario Government
Ontario government advises caution as bears come out of hibernation early due to mild winter
BY LEYLAND ROCHESTER
Spring may have sprung early for Ontario thanks to Wiarton Willie’s expert predictions, but the cost of an early spring is sometimes not as nice as the weather.
The Government of Ontario has released a statement in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police urging caution as black bears have started to come out of hibernation. Due to unseasonably warm winter temperatures and a lack of snowpack, bears have started to emerge from hibernation earlier than expected in some parts of the province.
This has been one of the warmest winters on record for much of Ontario. The Hamilton airport reported a record-breaking 20.9°C on March 4, 2024. This has prompted some slumbering animals to end their hibernation weeks ahead of schedule.
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The Government of Ontario has opened its non-emergency, toll-free Bear Wise reporting line early this year, due to the early end of hibernation. For 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from March 1 to November 30, residents of Ontario can call 1-866-514-2327 to report a bear in their area. However, if it is an urgent emergency, call 911.
Please see the full article at: cottagelife.com/outdoors
