UPDATE:
Jolanta Kowalski, a senior media relations officer with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines' Natural Resources and Forestry office, says it's not particularly unusual for bears to be found at this time of the year searching for food before going into hibernation.
"I can say that we prefer, in situations like this, if the bears come out of the trees on their own which can happen when it gets dark and there are no crowds around," said Kowalski.
Kowalski said the sightings of two bears were reported to the ministry’s Bear Wise reporting line earlier today.
"A sow and cub were sighted in a tree approximately one block from Samuel-de-Champlain Catholic Elementary School and two blocks from Orillia Secondary School," said Kowalski.
The Midhurst District office of the ministry was contacted by Orillia OPP for assistance.
Ministry staff are onsite with local police to assess and monitor the situation and will provide support, if required.
The Ministry also provided the following:
- If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police at 1-888-310-1122.
- For advice on reducing bear attractants, call the Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327; Hearing Impaired (TTY) 1-705-945-7641. You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season (April 1 to November 30).
Find out more about what to do in emergency and non-emergency situations at https://www.ontario.ca/page/
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information on bears.
ORIGINAL STORY
Two bears have climbed a tree in a small park on York Street, near Park Street.
As a result, Orillia Secondary School has been placed on a hold and secure as a precaution. Orchard Park Elementary School is also in a hold and secure, according to the Orillia OPP.
During a hold and secure, the school's exterior doors are locked and nobody is permitted in or out of the building. Regular school routines continue inside.
Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry is en route.
At 2:15 p.m. OPP said "the area has been secured to ensure the safety of the mama bear and her cub. (The Ministry) has attended to safely relocate the animals."
At 3:45 p.m., OPP reported the bears remain in the tree. Ministry officials remain on the scene. The hold and secure has been lifted by the school board.
The Orillia OPP are asking people to avoid the area.
