Naturalist Michael Runtz on recent bears in the 'burbs and what you should know
Michael Runtz spends a lot of time in Algonquin Park, where you would expect to see a bear.
The naturalist, author, and Carleton University professor spends less time in the suburbs where a bear visited, napped in a tree, and had a Barrhaven (or Bear-haven!) neighbourhood fixated this week.
“I have been exploring the park for 100 years,” jokes a youthful Runtz. “I have seen a lot of bears and have never felt threatened.”
In his new expanded edition of “The Explorer’s Guide to Algonquin Park”, he has a chapter dedicated black bears.
The black bear, who was big news, was tranquilized and relocated to the White Lake area by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) after spending a drowsy day in a Barrhaven back yard Monday.
It was the second suburban bear sighting in as many days. A black bear also took a Sunday morning stroll in Stittsville this week.
If the story had you asking what you should do if you encounter a bear or other wildlife like a coyote in the city or in the wild, Runtz offers these suggestions.
Practical advice from the respected naturalist, Michael Runtz, who encourages others to be wild about nature:
- Never feed a bear or coyote
- Make sure your yard is kept free of food leftovers, and that all garbage is kept in containers that cannot be accessed by animals
- If you live near bear habitat, take down your bird-feeders by spring
- Never approach a bear or coyote or any other wild animal that seems oddly tame
- If you are approached by a bear or coyote (which is a VERY RARE event), make loud noises to frighten the animal away, then report it to the local MNRF office or police
- Carry a whistle with you on walks if it makes you more comfortable
- Keep pets on a leash when walking in the woods
- Do not be afraid to go hiking in the woods; attacks by wild animals are exceedingly rare and, in fact, the odds of being in a car accident or having a serious accident at home far exceed those of having a bad experience with an animal in the woods!
You can learn more at Nature by Runtz on Facebook.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Israel orders new evacuations in Gaza's last refuge of Rafah as it expands military offensive
Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Saturday, forcing tens of thousands more people to leave as it prepared to expand its military operation deeper into what is considered Gaza’s last refuge.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.