Police responding to increased calls relating to bear activity
September 18, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service has responded to several calls relating to bears in recent weeks in areas throughout the city.
Here are some important things to remember:
- Do not feed bears.
- Keep food waste in secure containers.
- Keep a safe distance from bears.
- If you encounter a bear, slowly back away while keeping it in sight.
- If a bear is in a tree, do not surround it.
Not every bear encounter is an emergency.
Calls to police should be made in situations where a bear poses an immediate safety threat or is displaying aggressive or threatening behaviour.
For non-emergency encounters, call the Ministry of Natural Resource's Bear Wise line at 1-866-514-2327.
More information about Bear Safety can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/.../prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise

Your Questions Answered: Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes? A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders. After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts. Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime. Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down? A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity. Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because: New people take over, especially in organized groups. The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps. Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.

Collisions – Did you know? The Thunder Bay Collision Reporting Centre is located within the Thunder Bay Police Service station at 1200 Balmoral Street. The collision reporting centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1,535 motor vehicle collisions were reported in the six-month period from January 1 to June 30 of this year. Most collisions: · happened in January · took place on Fridays (the fewest on Sundays) · occurred around 4:00 p.m. · took place when conditions were clear and roads were dry.
TB25047271 and TB25046469

