By JEFF MORRISON, OTTAWA SUN
Ontario's Bear Wise Program is aimed at reducing human-bear conflicts.
Since its inception, the program has provided great information to improve relations between humans and black bears in Ontario, says David Ramsay, Ontario's natural resources minister.
"Our Bear Wise phone line and website have helped thousands of people learn more about bears and how to reduce bear problems and our educational electronic book has been a hit with students and teachers," said Ramsay.
Getting Bear Wiser: Last year, the province funded 97 Bear Wise projects in 76 communities across the province. In black bear problem areas like Elliot Lake, bear calls went down dramatically to 238 from 509 in the previous year -- before the program was in place. "We've used the money from Bear Wise to purchase bear-proof garbage containers, do local advertising on avoiding bear problems and, this year, we hope to work on our landfill site," said Elliot Lake Mayor George Farkouh. It is felt that initiatives such as this can be effective in any region of the province. If you have a bear-related concern, call the Bear Wise line at: 1-866-514-2327. For more information about bears, check out: www. bears.mnr.gov.on. ca.
Canadian Camo: Canadian Camo Ltd., a Stittsville-based on-line supply company, recently announced a contract extension with the University of Alberta. The additional Bushnell camera systems purchased by the university's biology department are part of a wide range of products offered by the company. Dr. Erin Bayne, assistant professor in the U of A's biology department, said: "The camera systems from Canadian Camo provide us a unique insight into what predators might be responsible for nest predation events that has not been possible with traditional methods." The Bushnell wildlife surveillance cameras are being used in a wildlife study of linear feature edges. For more information: www.canadiancamo.com/article.php?sid=295.
Suspicious coyote: Brian Houle was mountain biking recently on the Trans Canada Trail off Jinkinson Side Road when he caught a glimpse of a critter crossing the trail. As the animal got closer, Houle realized that it was, in fact, a coyote so he stopped his bike immediately. Old Wile E trotted across the field and stopped to have a look at Houle from behind some brush. As he shifted on his bike to get a better look at the rare visitor, the coyote started back toward the trail. Concerned there might be more coyotes in the nearby bushes, Houle decided to take off. As he sped down the trail, Houle glanced over his shoulder to see Wile E again standing in the exact spot where he had just been stopped. A wild animal who exhibits a lack of natural fear like this, especially during daylight hours, is often indicative of rabies.
Big Kemptville Bird: Congratulations to Marc Brosseau on the great wild turkey he bagged last week in the Kemptville area. Marc Jr. was also there when Dad harvested the magnificent 20-lb. gobbler. You may recall six-year-old Marc Jr. as the star of his Lake Nippissing family ice-fishing trip this past winter. Now that's the way to get youngsters hooked on hunting and fishing, let them see it all first hand.
Next week: Be sure to tune in next week for more details on the new wild turkey management project and another exciting field test.
JEFFM@MAIL.MAGMA.CA
Ontario's Bear Wise Program is aimed at reducing human-bear conflicts.
Since its inception, the program has provided great information to improve relations between humans and black bears in Ontario, says David Ramsay, Ontario's natural resources minister.
"Our Bear Wise phone line and website have helped thousands of people learn more about bears and how to reduce bear problems and our educational electronic book has been a hit with students and teachers," said Ramsay.
Getting Bear Wiser: Last year, the province funded 97 Bear Wise projects in 76 communities across the province. In black bear problem areas like Elliot Lake, bear calls went down dramatically to 238 from 509 in the previous year -- before the program was in place. "We've used the money from Bear Wise to purchase bear-proof garbage containers, do local advertising on avoiding bear problems and, this year, we hope to work on our landfill site," said Elliot Lake Mayor George Farkouh. It is felt that initiatives such as this can be effective in any region of the province. If you have a bear-related concern, call the Bear Wise line at: 1-866-514-2327. For more information about bears, check out: www. bears.mnr.gov.on. ca.
Canadian Camo: Canadian Camo Ltd., a Stittsville-based on-line supply company, recently announced a contract extension with the University of Alberta. The additional Bushnell camera systems purchased by the university's biology department are part of a wide range of products offered by the company. Dr. Erin Bayne, assistant professor in the U of A's biology department, said: "The camera systems from Canadian Camo provide us a unique insight into what predators might be responsible for nest predation events that has not been possible with traditional methods." The Bushnell wildlife surveillance cameras are being used in a wildlife study of linear feature edges. For more information: www.canadiancamo.com/article.php?sid=295.
Suspicious coyote: Brian Houle was mountain biking recently on the Trans Canada Trail off Jinkinson Side Road when he caught a glimpse of a critter crossing the trail. As the animal got closer, Houle realized that it was, in fact, a coyote so he stopped his bike immediately. Old Wile E trotted across the field and stopped to have a look at Houle from behind some brush. As he shifted on his bike to get a better look at the rare visitor, the coyote started back toward the trail. Concerned there might be more coyotes in the nearby bushes, Houle decided to take off. As he sped down the trail, Houle glanced over his shoulder to see Wile E again standing in the exact spot where he had just been stopped. A wild animal who exhibits a lack of natural fear like this, especially during daylight hours, is often indicative of rabies.
Big Kemptville Bird: Congratulations to Marc Brosseau on the great wild turkey he bagged last week in the Kemptville area. Marc Jr. was also there when Dad harvested the magnificent 20-lb. gobbler. You may recall six-year-old Marc Jr. as the star of his Lake Nippissing family ice-fishing trip this past winter. Now that's the way to get youngsters hooked on hunting and fishing, let them see it all first hand.
Next week: Be sure to tune in next week for more details on the new wild turkey management project and another exciting field test.
JEFFM@MAIL.MAGMA.CA