Bears on the Tomophobia trail
Hikers and bikers frequenting the Tomophobia Nature Trail should be aware that there have been several black bear sightings recently in the area.
These photos were taken by Suzan Norrie while out on the trail around 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening.
She and Carole Muir-norrie happened upon the black bear and her two cubs near Km 9 of the trail. The bears were on the opposite side of the pond on Curtis Road.
According to Norrie, other locals have also seen bears recently in the Ayer’s Cliff/stanstead area, but it is unknown whether or not it was the same family.
While black bears don’t generally attack humans and the recent sightings shouldn’t deter people from enjoying local nature trails, it is important to be prepared in the event of an unexpected encounter.
The Quebec Ministry of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks website offers some tips on how to act around black bears.
Phelps’ weekly sessions are winding down, but there is still lots happening at Phelps. Two of our level 5 students, Marissa and Katrina, recently received awards from the Lampe Foundation and Phelps for their school perseverance. They have been attending Phelps for two years now, and will be pursuing their educational goals at Champlain Regional College in the fall. We are also approaching the end of the school year, which means the exam period has begun and students are hunkering
For starters, it is suggested to never feed or approach a bear. Once black bears become accustomed to humans and associate them with sources of food, they will be more likely to approach populated areas.
When encountering a black bear, there are four likely reactions.
In most cases, a bear wants nothing to do with humans and will flee immediately.
If a bear has grown accustomed to human contact, it will likely ignore people and continue about its business, or possibly approach with curiosity.
If the bear feels threatened or surprised, it could act defensively, huffing and blowing air loudly through its nostrils, exhaling loudly and "popping" its teeth. It may also swat the ground with its fore paws, lowering its head, and drawing back its ears. A defensive bear may resort to bluff charges.
On very rare occasions a black bear will be in predatory mode. In that case, it will stalk silently, waiting for an opportunity to approach undetected and attack. down to study and complete memory-aids and practice questions. One of Phelps partners, Global Excel, decided to lend a helping hand during this stressful time. Every year Global Excel dedicates time to give back to their community. This year, they chose to make Phelps Helps high school students care packages for their exams! With help from the Grace Village residents, each care package has an inspirational quote and essential study materials to motivate our students throughout their exams. A big thank you to Global Excel's Manage Care Team! Moreover, Phelps’
Regardless of the type of black bear encounter, the main rule to remember is not to turn away from the bear and run. It could trigger a response.
Bears can run much faster than humans. They are also better swimmers and tree climbers, so fleeing the scene isn’t an option.
The website suggests that people remain calm and back away slowly, speaking in a soft low voice, and make sure the bear has a clear escape route.
If a black bear appears extremely agitated, people should raise their arms, last session will be on June 7th, and students are invited to book individual appointments after that date for specific subjects. With care packages and extra help, we hope our students will excel in their final exams, ending the school year on a good note.
Phelps Aide Phelps Helps is a rural community non-profit striving to reduce the elevated drop-out rate in the Stanstead area. Phelps was started in 2012 by two community members, and has grown from a single program to seven unique programs, providing yell, and use any means necessary (sticks, rocks, bear spray) to appear aggressive.
If a confrontation seems unavoidable, do not play dead. Fighting offers the best chance of persuading the bear to halt its attack, the website said.
The bulk of a black bear’s diet is plant based. On occasion insects, fish, birds and mammals up to the size of a young deer or moose calf may be on the menu, but interactions with humans are very rarely food driven and often accidental. Stanstead area youth with free tutoring, educational and career support and hands-on learning from Grade 3 to the end of high school and further. We are currently looking for volunteers to help with our weekly sessions. If you have a couple of hours a month to spare and are available Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, please consider joining our dynamic group of volunteers. For more information, please email us at info@phelpshelps.ca or call our offices at 819-704-0799.