Not all wildlife sightings are an emergency. Bears, coyotes, and wolves have been sighted within the town of Wawa. If you feel threatened by an aggressive animal, call 9-1-1.

Bears

Emergency situations.

Call 9-1-1 or your local police if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour, such as:

  • enters a school yard when school is in session;
  • stalks people and lingers at the site;
  • enters or tries to enter a residence;
  • wanders into a public gathering; and
  • kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site

Police will respond first to an emergency situation, but may request assistance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry during daylight hours.

Non-emergency encounters

Call the toll-free Bear wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641) if a bear:

  • roams around or checks garbage cans;
  • breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored;
  • is in a tree;
  • pulls down a bird feeder or knocks over a barbeque;
  • moves through a backyard or field but does not linger.

This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30.

For more information visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Other wild animals

Managing conflicts

Description between coyote and wolfNuisance coyotes and wolves have been observed within the townsite of Wawa. If you come across wild animals keep your distance.

  • never approach the animal;
  • do not turn your back on the animal;
  • back away from the animal while staying calm;
  • carry a flashlight at night if going out.

More information on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes is available.