
Link to apply for an Outdoors Card and licence summary. Links to Ontario Hunting and Fishing Regulations Summary are also available.

Information on feeding wild animals such as harm, tips, etc.

To report a sighting of sick or dead wildlife please use this link.
Bears |
The following information is made available from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; Be Bear Wise and prevent bear encounters - Prevent and report encounters with black bears and learn who to contact.
Who to contactNot every bear sighting is an emergency situation. Here is who to call if you encounter a bear. Emergency situationsCall 911 or your local police if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and exhibits threatening or aggressive behaviour, such as:
Police will respond first to an emergency situation, but may request assistance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Non-emergency encountersCall the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641) if a bear:
This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30.
Prevent conflicts with black bearsBears usually avoid humans, but they are attracted into urban and rural areas in order to get food. If bears learn that they can find food where people live, they will return again and again and even try to enter buildings. Relocation and destruction are poor ways of trying to prevent conflicts with bears. Garbage:
Bird feeders:
Barbecue:
Fruits and berries:
Pet food:Do not leave pet food outdoors, in screened-in areas or porches
When out in bear countryTravel in groups of two or more, as bears primarily attack people who are alone. Avoid bear-human interactionsAlert bears to your presence so they can avoid you. Make noise, such as singing, whistling or talking while in areas with restricted visibility or with high background noise, such as near streams and waterfalls. While outdoors:
If you encounter a black bearWhen bears are caught off guard, they are stressed, and usually just want to flee. Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm.Generally, the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is, provided you do not approach. The noise is meant to “scare” you off and acts as a warning signal. Do
Do not
Bear warning signsBlack bear attacks are extremely rare. A threatened or predatory black bear will give off warning signs to let you know you are too close. If a black bear stands on its hind legs this is not aggressive behaviour, and the bear is trying to get a better look at you or "catch your scent". A defensive bearA bear that feels threatened will:
A predatory bearThe bear will approach silently, usually in rural or remote areas, and may continue to approach regardless of your attempts to deter them by yelling or throwing rocks. If the bear attacks:
After the bear leaves
When to use self defenceIf you have tried everything possible to get a bear to leave your property and you are afraid for your safety, you have the right to protect yourself and your property. Killing a bear in self-defence must be an action of last resort.Any action you take must be done:
You do not need a hunting licence to kill a bear in self-defence. If you kill a bear and do not intend to keep it, you must report it immediately to your local Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office. If you kill a bear and want to keep it, you must register for a Notice of Possession with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. |
Wild Geese |
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Avian Influenza |
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Additional Avian Influenza Information
What should I do if I find dead birds on private property? |
Report sick or dead wild birds on the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative online reporting tool. |
What are some recommendations for pet owners? |
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Are there any recommendations when feeding wild birds in my backyard? |
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How can I protect domestic and captive birds? |
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Are poultry and eggs safe to eat? |
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), there is no evidence to suggest that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit avian flu to humans. Practice safe food handling and cooking practices for poultry and poultry products (eggs). |
Who conducts wild bird surveillance? |
Wild bird surveillance is conducted through a collaboration between:
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Who is monitoring potential positive cases in birds at poultry farms/agricultural environments? |
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are the lead agencies for tracing cases in birds on farms or in other facilities that process poultry. Durham Region Health Department works with other public health units to follow any farm/agricultural workers who may have been exposed to avian influenza. There have been no human cases in Durham Region. |
Avian Influenza Resources
- Animal Health update: Avian influenza(February 17, 2023)
- Avian Biosecurity - Protect poultry, prevent disease
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- CFIA - FAQ documents on avian influenza
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
- Cleaning and disinfection process for premises declaration infected with avian influenza
- Environment and Natural Resources
- Government of Canada - Avian influenza page
- Ministry of Health: Avian influenza - personal protective equipment recommendations
- OMAFRA: Animal health update: Avian influenza
- Peterborough Public Health; Avian Flu
- Prevent the spread of avian influenza in wild birds
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