Blueberry frost may push bears closer to humans

What’s bad news for blueberries is worse news for black bears expected to edge closer to cottages and homes in search of food.

A widespread frost in late May severely harmed the bushes, which will leave hungry bruins searching further afield for edibles to sustain them through next winter, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

While it’s not a red alert, the ministry is asking homeowners, cottagers and campers in bear territory to be more careful with garbage, pet food dishes left outdoors and fridges and freezers on screened-in porches. They’re tempting food sources for black bears at what is typically their toughest time of year.

“Bears are driven by their stomachs,” said Martyn Obbard, a ministry research scientist who specializes in black bears. “If they don’t get enough to eat, they’ll starve and they’ll die in hibernation next winter. They have a relatively short window here.”

Bears seek out the same patches of food every year and if the berries or other goodies don’t materialize, that’s when they lope further afield.