14 sightings in one week

Black bears are Aylmer’s latest visitors

Authorities have received numerous reports of bears across Aylmer in the last two weeks. They have aso been sighted elsewhere in the capital region. A cub, struck by a car on des Allumettieres last week, was so seriously injured that the animal was put down, based on the advice of the wildlife ministry.
   
Additional reports came from l’École de la Forêt elementary school, the Gatineau Golf Club, and one of the city’s cycling trails. In none of the cases were people threatened, but authorities warned students and their parents, golfers, and cyclists to avoid those areas for the moment.

Wildlife agents have told the media that so many sightings are unusual, although bears do become more active in the fall in preparation for their winter hibernation.  Excessive hot weather this summer may have restricted the growth of berries and other food nomally available, and construction within Gatineau Park and in areas outside the urban zone destroys bears’ usual habitat and sets them moving. 
(Trans. FR)