If you think you saw a bear roaming through Halton Hills this morning, you're not alone.
Multiple residents are reporting bear sightings in Georgetown and the rural area today (May 18). Area citizens also say one was spotted around Acton in recent days.
A Facebook user posted on a community group early Thursday morning about a black bear in the Georgetown District High School parking lot around 6 a.m., and others added they had seen the animal in the Arborglen and Eighth Line area moving to a nearby pond about 90 minutes later. Security camera footage from the school has confirmed the bear's presence this morning.
Halton Regional Police say they also received reports of a bear near Eighth Line and 5 Sideroad early this morning.
“Our officers attended and the bear was not seen,” a police spokesman said in an email.
A representative for the Town of Halton Hills confirmed they've seen the posts on social media, and that the bear has been reported to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Meanwhile, the Town of Caledon has issued a warning on social media.
“Please be advised that black bears have been spotted in Caledon in the following areas: Forks of the Credit, Terra Cotta, Orangeville,” the town’s Twitter reads.
The ministry recommends all non-emergency bear encounters be reported by phone to the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.
A non-emergency bear encounter includes when a bear is roaming around, checking inside garbage cans, gets into a shed or tree, knocks over a barbecue, or moves through a yard or field.
In an emergency situation, such as when a bear is in a school yard during school hours, the bear is stalking people or staying in one spot, attempting to enter a residence or public gathering, or if it kills another animal, residents should call 911.
In a black bear encounter, the ministry recommends people slowly back away, throw anything at the bear and make noise to get it to leave, and get indoors. Do not run, climb a tree, or jump into water, do not make direct eye contact, and do not play dead unless you are attacked by a mother bear with cubs. If you are attacked by a bear without cubs, try to escape and use bear spray.
If that is not possible, the Bear Wise website suggests fighting back with everything you have.