Bear sighting sparks excitement and caution at Ontario First Nation
There is a level of excitement at the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation after a bear video was shared online.
Multiple sightings have now been reported by residents at the First Nation and by those who own cottages on nearby East Parkway drive adjoining Ipperwash Beach.
Kettle Point resident Rudy Bressette was travelling in a car on a gravel road at Stony Point Sunday, not far from Ipperwash Beach, when he and two others caught something out of the corner of their eyes.
“Me and my brother saw something go across the road. And he says, ‘Hey, looks like a bear, speed up brother.’”
Bressette quickly grabbed his cellphone and captured the video of the black bear. He believes it was about 200 pounds. The encounter was brief but long enough to get a good look at the bear.
“And we were just coming up there, and he saw us. As soon as he saw us, he took off and ran into the bush.”
For Bressette, the sight of a bear is welcoming.
“It’s awesome to have them around here. They’re coming back, after so many years.”
Rudy Bressette, who captured video of a bear on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, shares his story on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Rudy Bressette, who captured video of a bear on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, shares his story on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Bressette’s cousin, Patricia Shawnoo is an Indigenous educator. She says the bear or mukwa represents culture and medicine.
Shawnoo says both are needed at this time, “So it’s a very significant sign that the Mukwa would visit us so closely through both communities.”
But a close visit does pose risks.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry advises people in the area to visit the Be Bear Wise website. It has advice on how to safely interact and report bears, including not leaving out bird feeders or pet food at this time of year.
Still, spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski says as long as the bear does not pose an immediate threat to public safety, or frequent heavily populated areas, it could co-exist.
That’s a better fate than a bear dubbed ‘London’ met when he was trapped in the City of London by the ministry after being shot and wounded by police.
He later recovered and was released back into the wild in Northern Ontario.
By telephone, Kowalski stated this latest bear likely arrived in the area after travelling the shoreline.
“When they do show up in that area it’s because they have travelled along the coast of Lake Huron.”
No matter what led the bear to Kettle and Stony Point, Bressette hopes the animal - and the people it may encounter - remain safe and welcoming.
“Don’t want nobody to hurt it, nobody to harm it. It’s not bugging anybody. If it’s staying in that area, it’s untouched grounds. Nobody is back there.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.