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
TB26031031 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Syndicate Avenue South and Donald Street East area around 10:00 AM on August 6, 2026, in response to multiple reports regarding a stabbing. On scene three victims were located. One individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries, which are considered not to be life-threatening. The Break, Enter, and Robbery Unit became involved in the investigation. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 45-year-old Lazarus YELLOWHEAD of Webequie First Nation is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Assault with a weapon • Assault • Resist peace officer • Failure to comply with a release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
TB26030239 A Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Donald Street East area on July 31, 2026, in response to a report regarding an assault. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers arriving. One victim was located with minor injuries, and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Clinton OSTAMUS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault • Obstruct peace officer The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.
TB26029440 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers were dispatched to the Pine Street area on July 26, 2026, in response to a call for service regarding a theft. The suspect had fled the scene prior to officers arriving. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 43-year-old Brandon SMITH of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Robbery – violence immediately before-after · Mischief under $5,000 · Forcible entry · Failure to comply with release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
