This week as part of our Village Wild video series brought to you by Dietrich Law, we're featuring an incredible video submitted by Laura Marsh of Sault Ste. Marie.
In the video, you can see a curious little cub trying to climb into a hammock, only to swing a few times before falling out. This, of course, doesn't stop the small cub, who continues to try and get back in the hammock, while momma bear keeps a close watch nearby. However, after a few attempts, the cub appears to be able to relax for a few moments.
"Well … we have a hammock and we have bears. Mama and her babies were on their way through the yard one day and stopped to play in the hammock. We just happen to catch it on video," said Laura in her video submission.
An adorable moment that was thankfully caught on video nonetheless, but encountering a momma bear and her cubs does come with its own set of risks and requires utmost caution.
Did you know
Black bears live throughout most of Ontario. They primarily inhabit forested areas where they are best able to find food, refuge and den sites.
Black bears are born in January within their dens and remain in hibernation with their mother until spring, typically around April. Once fully grown, female black bears can weigh up to 300 pounds on average, while males can reach up to 500 pounds, although their typical weight range is between 200-250 pounds. These sizes can vary significantly from year to year, influenced by the availability of natural foods.
Bears are primarily driven by their search for food throughout their lives. While formally classified as carnivores, they have an omnivorous diet, consuming both plants and animals. Their food sources vary by season, with a focus on summer berries like blueberries and raspberries, and transitioning to nuts like hazel nuts and acorns in the fall.
What to do if you encounter a momma bear with her cubs
If you encounter a mother bear and her cub, it's essential to remain calm and follow these tips to ensure a safe outcome:
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Stay Calm: Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the bears. Stay calm and try to assess the situation calmly.
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Do Not Approach: Keep a safe distance from the bears and do not try to approach them or get between the mother and her cub. Give them space to move away peacefully.
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Back Away Slowly: If the bears haven't noticed you, slowly back away while keeping an eye on them. Do not turn your back on them abruptly.
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Avoid Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be seen as a threat in bear behaviour. Avoid staring directly at the bears and instead keep your gaze downward or to the side.
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Speak Softly: If you need to make noise to alert the bears of your presence, speak softly and calmly. This can help them identify you as a human and not a threat.
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Stay Prepared: Always carry bear spray or other deterrents if you're in bear country. Know how to use them effectively and be ready to use them if the situation escalates.
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Do Not Run: Running can trigger a chase response in bears. Stay still or move away slowly if the bears are not approaching you.
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Make Yourself Big: If the bears start to approach or show signs of aggression, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or holding your jacket open. This can deter them from coming closer.
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Stay Aware: Even after the encounter, remain vigilant and watch for signs of the bears following you. If they do, continue to back away slowly while facing them.
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Report the Encounter: After safely leaving the area, report the bear encounter to local wildlife authorities. They can assess the situation and take any necessary actions to ensure the safety of both humans and bears.
How to Participate in Village Wild: Video of the month
Submitting your entry is easy. Simply fill out the submission form and upload your video or add a link to the video along with a brief description.
Each month, our Village Life team will randomly select and announce a Video of the Month award winner. The user who submitted the video will receive a gift card as a token of appreciation for sharing their unique footage with our readers.
