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.
An Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park by Michael Runtz.
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
MPs 'wittingly' took part in foreign interference: national security committee
Some MPs began 'wittingly assisting' foreign state actors soon after their election, says a report released Monday, including sending confidential information to Indian officials.
More Canadians are moving to the U.S. Here's one of the main reasons, according to an immigration expert
Recent data from the U.S. census revealed that more than 126,000 people moved from Canada to the U.S. in 2022. An expert said that one of the main reasons for this move is the cost of living.
Bus carrying Quebec tourists crashes in Cuba, leaving 1 dead and 26 injured
One person is dead and 26 were injured after a bus carrying Quebec tourists was involved in a collision in Cuba on Sunday.
Her gut was producing alcohol. Doctors didn't believe her
For two years doctors told her she was an alcoholic. Then they realized her gut was making alcohol from carbohydrates, a rare condition called auto-brewery syndrome.
Here's how far B.C. drivers must keep from cyclists, pedestrians under new law
A new law protecting cyclists and pedestrians in British Columbia takes effect Monday, establishing minimum distances that drivers must keep from so-called vulnerable road users.
Forest bathing: What it is and why some Alberta doctors recommend it
Many people are familiar with the benefits of being in nature, but forest therapy goes a step further than a simple walk in the woods.
Poilievre disagrees with Conservative MP who opposes same-sex marriage, vows to uphold
Facing scrutiny over comments one of his MPs made, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says if he become prime minister, he will uphold same sex marriage rights, 'full stop.'
Toyota apologizes for cheating on vehicle testing and halts production of three models
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized Monday for massive cheating on certification tests for seven vehicle models as the automaker suspended production of three of them.
OPINION We used to be part of Trump’s press team. That’s why we can see through his post-conviction spin
In a political season when many Americans have chosen to tune out the news, tens of millions of people turned to cable and broadcast TV to learn about former President Donald Trump’s fate following his historic criminal trial.