CITY POLICE NEWS RELEASE ************************* The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to once again bring the public's attention to the urban bear issue ongoing in the city's north end.

CITY POLICE NEWS RELEASE

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The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to once again bring the public's attention to the urban bear issue ongoing in the city's north end. There have been increasing reports to police recently about a bear in the "P-Patch" area of the city which is predominantly a residential neighbourhood backed by some woodland. With Halloween approaching, the Police Service is aware of the number of children that will be in the area while the bear remains at large attracted to available food in garbage left out by homeowners. The public is urged to continue to report sightings of the animal.

The Police Service in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources will respond to calls or sightings of the bear and reminds the public of the following necessary steps to help avoid attracting black bears into populated areas:

- Putting garbage out only on the morning of collection - Storing garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids - Put away bird feeders and suet - Clean and put away outdoor grills after use, including the grease trap underneath

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