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
A visible police presence is expected in the Fort William Road and Isabel Street area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area around 4:30 PM on May 21, 2026, in response to a call for service. There is no threat to public safety. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time.
TB26016170 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. The investigation began in May, in response to a report regarding the distribution of private images without consent, and harassment. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Kirsty LENNOX from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Distribute intimate image without consent (three counts) • Criminal harassment – repeatedly communicate (two counts) The accused was released from custody with a future court date. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
TB26017508 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to multiple charges. On May 11, 2026, officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit and the Emergency Task Unit searched a home on Clavet Street. During the search, officers seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, Canadian currency and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Lynda MCCALLUM from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Failure to comply with release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation remains ongoing.
