Ottawa Police say access to Old Quarry Trail is restricted after someone spotted a bear on Sunday. The police stated in a press release that officers are monitoring the area and the use of the trail is currently restricted, with residents being asked to exercise caution if a bear is found.

Ottawa Police also provide the following number 613-236-1222, if the bear poses an imminent safety threat, along with awareness guidelines where the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says that if you encounter a black bear, here is what you should do:

Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave, throw objects, wave your arms, and make noise using a whistle or air horn or shout if it does not leave. Then, if you are nearby, as a precautionary measure, drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away and leave the bear alone if it is on a tree and leave the area and the bear will come down when it feels safe.

As for if you encounter a black bear, do not do the following: run, climb trees, kneel down, then make direct eye contact and approach the bear very slowly to show some security.