Seasonal Lots
Bear Policy
NUISANCE BEAR POLICY & REGULATIONS
Prevention:
DO NOT FEED THE BEARS!!!
A bear will visit out of curiosity (the smell of cooking, etc.) but will only return if it is getting food to eat.
1. Campers must keep their campsite clean, use garbage cans, put garbage in plastic bags and bring to the dumpsters regularly.
2. Park staff will ensure garbage cans at beaches and picnic areas are emptied daily. Lids or covers should be used where possible.
3. Ensure barbeque is kept clean and grease free. After cooking, leave it on for a few minutes to burn off any grease. Do not leave grease collectors under the barbeque. Bring grease collector into trailer or dispose with daily trash.
4. Do not leave dog food in dog dish outside once dog is finished eating. Store dog food bags in trunk of car or trailer and not in shed easily accessed by bears.
5. Compost for gardening is an attractant but if tasty fruit such as apples, fruit with pits, bananas, etc. are not composted, there should not be a problem. Never put meat or animal products in the compost.
6. Other attractants include bird feeders, peanuts, etc. for squirrels, hummingbird feeders, etc. If bears become a problem, such attractants will have to be eliminated and campers will be notified by park staff.
If in spite of our best efforts a bear visits the park, the following steps should be followed:
1. Notify everyone in the imminent vicinity of its presence and get word to park staff as soon as possible. Let staff deal with the bear!
2. Do not attempt to scare or chase the bear away. Give the bear room. Keep children and pets away.
3. Get everyone to tell their neighbors that there is a bear in the park and to be vigilant. Park staff will erect “Bear in the Park” signs until the bear is gone.
4. If a bear is not aggressive or causing damage, stay in your trailer or safe place and wait until it goes away. Use your cell phone to notify park staff and other campers of its presence.
5. Park staff will notify MNR of a bear in the park.
6. Once all campers are aware of the situation, park staff (or camper member authorized by staff) will determine if bear can be sent away safely of if MNR assistance is required.
7. If bear is aggressive, MNR will remove.
8. Once bear is gone, park staff will give the all-clear notice to campers and the “Bear in the Park” signs will come down.
9. Keep a bear-banger or pepper spray handy at your campsite in case you or your family is threatened by an aggressive bear.