Thunder Bay's Sweet Temptation: Apple Harvest Draws Bears into Urban Backyards

Thunder Bay is currently grappling with a delightfully sweet, yet concerning, phenomenon: an unprecedented influx of bears venturing into residential areas, all thanks to an irresistible bounty of ripening apples. A remarkably wet spring followed by a warm, sunny summer has fostered an exceptional apple crop across the region, inadvertently rolling out a crimson carpet for hungry omnivores.

Residents like Joe Comuzzi have become accustomed to unexpected visitors, witnessing bears confidently scaling fences and making themselves at home among backyard fruit trees.

While such close encounters can be startling, wildlife experts are quick to clarify that these powerful animals are simply following their instincts, driven by the primal urge to forage for high-calorie foods in preparation for the leaner months of winter. The abundance of unpicked and fallen fruit acts as an open, tantalizing invitation, drawing bears closer to human dwellings than ever before.

Tim Van der Wey, a seasoned wildlife biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), succinctly captures the heart of the issue: bears are opportunistic.

“Bears are just looking for food sources,” Van der Wey explains. He points out that when natural food sources are plentiful in the wilderness, bears typically remain in their natural habitats. However, an easy, accessible meal in a suburban backyard is simply too compelling to resist, especially when it’s readily available on branches or strewn across the ground.

The most effective solution, according to the MNRF, rests squarely with the residents themselves.

Rather than waiting for wildlife officials to intervene after an encounter, the proactive strategy of prevention is paramount. “If you remove the food source, the bears will move on,” Van der Wey advises. This translates to a diligent routine: picking all ripe apples as soon as they are ready and, crucially, meticulously clearing any fallen fruit from the ground immediately.

Allowing fruit to rot beneath trees is, in essence, an open-ended invitation for a bear's next meal.

Beyond apples, homeowners are strongly encouraged to adopt a holistic approach to bear-proofing their properties. This includes securing all garbage in robust, bear-resistant containers or storing it indoors until the morning of collection.

Removing bird feeders, particularly at night, and ensuring barbecue grills are thoroughly cleaned after each use are also vital steps. For properties with persistent issues related to fruit trees, installing an electric fence can prove to be an exceptionally effective deterrent, establishing a clear and safe boundary between your personal space and the curious wanderings of wildlife.

The message from wildlife authorities is clear and concise: while a degree of concern is natural, understanding bear behaviour is the bedrock of peaceful co-existence.

Bears that become habituated to finding food in residential areas can quickly lose their natural wariness of humans, leading to more frequent and potentially riskier interactions. While relocation or, in extreme circumstances, euthanasia, remains a last resort for persistently problematic animals, the most potent and compassionate line of defence is always proactive human intervention.

By managing our properties responsibly, Thunder Bay residents can collectively ensure both their own safety and contribute significantly to the welfare of their wild neighbours, encouraging bears to find their sustenance where they truly belong: in the expansive wilderness.