More bear sightings in recent weeks in North Bay, Ont., say police

North Bay police say there have been more black bear sightings in the city in the last few weeks.

Along with Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, police say they're reminding people to take steps to avoid attracting bears into local neighbourhoods.

"Often they're in people's backyards," said David Woolley, a spokesperson for the North Bay Police Service.

"So we find that a lot of them have to do with bears trying to access garbage, bird feeders or fruit trees inback yards."

Woolley said anyone who spots a bear should get inside and contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's special 'Bearwise'phone line..

He added that so far this year, there haven't been any reports in the city of bears acting aggressively toward people.

He says if a bear is posing an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, however,it's recommended that people call 911.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recommends people wait until pickup day to put out their garbage, and also urges people to clear food residue and grease from barbecue grills,and keep their dogs on leash to avoid bear encounters.