Feature Article May 20, 2004
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Bear trapped in Sharbot Lake
For weeks, a yearling bear has been seen around the Ontario Early Years Centre, at St. James Major Catholic Church, and on Zealand Road just north of Sharbot Lake.
Early on Monday morning, May 17, 10 days of patient waiting paid off when the bear was captured in an MNR trap set at the home of Bill and Linda Bush on Zealand road.
Fish & Wildlife Technician Eugene DeShane from the Ministry of Natural Resources Kingston office, credits the Bushes for the capture. The trap could not be left open all the time, so Bill and Linda had to set it when they thought the bear would be around, and keep an eye on it. They baited it with doughnuts and fried pork, and Linda said they caught lots of racoons before the bear climbed into it. DeShane thinks they had a hard time capturing the bear because it probably was scrounging food from homes in the area.
The MNR would especially like to get the message out to the public that it is important to avoid problems with bears by never intentionally feeding them, and also by removing all possible sources of food. In effect, feeding a bear intentionally or unintentionally signs its death warrant, not to mention the danger it brings to humans. DeShane said, If a bear becomes habituated to food from humans, then it will become a nuisance bear and will have to be shot; but its not the bears fault.
Food that might attract bears include garbage, dog and cat food left on porches, bird feeders and spilled seed, and hummingbird feeders.
The captured bear, which DeShane is sure is an orphan, will be taken to Bear With Us, an establishment near Huntsville run by Mike McIntosh, who has rehabilitated and released over 100 bears. DeShane says that food was scarce for bears last year. The berry crop was poor and that drove them into farmers fields.
If people are in imminent danger from bears, then they should call 911, or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 if they are in an area where 911 is not in effect. If there is no immediate danger, then they should call the MNR, weekdays 8:30 am 5 pm at 531-5700; after hours and weekends: 1-866-514-2327.
