Hikers and bikers frequenting the Tomifobia Nature Trail should be aware that there have been several black bear sightings recently in the area. These photos were taken by Suzan Norrie while out on the trail around 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening. She and Carole Muir-Norrie happened upon the black bear and her two cubs near Km 9 of the trail. The bears were on the opposite side of the pond on Curtis Road. According to Norrie, other locals have also seen bears recently in the Ayer’s Cliff/Stanstead area, but it is unknown whether or not it was the same family. While black bears don’t generally attack humans and the recent sightings shouldn’t deter people from enjoying local nature trails, it is important to be prepared in the event of an unexpected encounter. The Quebec Ministry of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks website offers some tips on how to act around black bears. For starters, it is suggested to never feed or approach a bear. Once black bears become accustomed to humans and associate them with sources of food, they will be more likely to approach populated areas. See full story in the Thursday, May 31 edition of The Record.
Bears on the Tomifobia trail
By Staff Writer
