BRACEBRIDGE MEDIA RELEASES DETACHMENT COMMANDER – INSP. ED MEDVED (705) 645-2211 FAX: (705) 645-3350 CALL 1-888-310-1122 FOR POLICE	KEEPING YOU INFORMED KEEPING YOU SAFE
FROM/DE: Bracebridge OPP DATE: June 29, 2009 Traffic Stop finds Driver Impaired by Drugs (BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – A Bracebridge OPP Officer on routine patrol in Bala late Sunday evening stopped and checked a vehicle travelling well below the speed limit on Muskoka Rd 169 in the area of River St. The driver, who is known to police, displayed signs of impairment by drug and was immediately arrested for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drug. Further investigation revealed that that driver was on a current conditional sentence and probation order and was not to possess or consume drugs unless authorized to do so for medical reasons. The accused driver was also found in possession of approximately 127 grams of marihuana and a quantity of drug paraphernalia used to sell and distribute narcotics. He also underwent drug recognition testing by a specially trained Officer and was subsequently charged with the following offences. Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Controlled Drug and Substance Act Breach of Probation x 2 – Criminal Code of Canada Impaired Operation of a motor vehicle – Criminal Code of Canada Possession of proceeds obtained by Crime – Criminal Code of Canada Contact: Inspector Ed Medved Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police Phone: 705-645-2211 FAX: 705-645-3350 FROM/DE: Bracebridge OPP DATE: June 25, 2009 Wounded Bear (BRACEBRIDGE, ON) – Bracebridge OPP is advising the public of the possibility of a wounded bear in the area of Monsignor Michael O’Leary School. On Monday June 22 2009 Bracebridge OPP shot and wounded a black bear near Glendale Dr. in the interest of public safety after the bear failed to leave the area adjacent to the school property on its own. The black bear retreated to a near-by wooded area where a search by police and the MNR failed to locate it. Community alert broadcasts were made on local radio station MOOSE FM and many near-by residents in the area were notified directly by Police who continued to stay in the area ensuring there was not immediate danger to the public. Every year the OPP and MNR receive calls from the Meadow Heights/McCrank area. In all cases these bears are being attracted initially by bird feeders and garbage. They stay and return because they find food. Some area residents are ignoring the MNR’s message to stop feeding birds during bear season. There is no such thing as a feeder that only attracts birds.   The last sighting of what is believed to be an injured bear was Tuesday evening with nothing else reported since that time. DEALING WITH BEARS IN THE COMMUNITY You can reduce the chances of attracting bears. The Ministry of Natural Resources advises you to: Store garbage in steel containers, or in airtight containers, inside a storage area that is not accessible to bears. Wash garbage containers and dumpsters frequently and use a strong disinfectant to reduce odours. Put garbage out on the morning of garbage day, and not the night before. Not leave pet food outdoors. Remove grease and food residue from barbecue grills, including the grease cup underneath, after each use. Fill bird feeders only during the winter months. Not put meat, fish or sweet food (including fruit) in your composter and turn material regularly. Keep meat scraps and fish parts in the freezer until garbage pick-up day. If you spot a bear in a residential area: Remain calm. Often the bear is just passing through and, if it finds no food source, will simply move on. Your residence may be located in or near the bear’s natural habitat. If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Remove people and dogs from the area. The bear will ordinarily come down and leave when it feels safe. This is usually after dark. Keep away from the bear, do not block its exit and warn others to keep away as well. Bring your children and pets into the house. If you are near a building or car, get inside it as a precaution. If the bear was attracted to food or garbage, remove it after the bear leaves to discourage the bear from returning. Keep dogs away from bears, as the bear may follow the dog back to its owner. If you have a problem with a bear, you can call the Bear Wise line toll-free at 1-866 514-2327. You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local police. If a bear approaches you: Slowly back away, watching the bear. If the bear tries to approach you, stop. Be aggressive and make yourself appear as big as possible. Yell and throw rocks or sticks. Never turn and run! Carry a noise-making device such as a whistle or air horn, and use it! If the bear continues to approach you, keep backing away slowly while continuing to be aggressive towards the bear. If you are carrying bear repellent, use it only if the bear is attacking you or is extremely close to you (make sure you are familiar with the product and how to use it beforehand). Black bear attacks are very rare. If a bear attacks you, experts suggest that you do not play dead. Fighting back is the best chance of persuading a black bear to stop its attack. Use a large stick, a rock or anything else that you can to deter the bear. In the event of an immediate bear related emergency such as bear is in a dwelling or trying to enter, bear is attacking/chasing people, call 911 For all other bear related issues please call the Bear Reporting Centre 1 866 514 2327. It is staffed 24/7. LEARN MORE You can call the Ministry of Natural Resources 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. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local police. For more information on bears, visit ontario.ca/bearwise. Contact: Inspector Ed Medved Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police Phone: 705-645-2211
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