Chapleau's reminding residents to be aware of bear sightings and take the necessary steps to avoid attracting them.
The Township advises Bear Bins are left unlocked on weekends to aid with the elimination of bear attractants, but residents should not leave bags outside of the bins.
Speaking with JJAM FM's Town Talk last week, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources & Forestry Northeast Region Acting Outreach Specialist Meghan Forbes noted food concerns are behind an increase in bear sightings.
Forbes suggests storing garbage securely in an enclosed area until the morning of collection, cleaning food residue and grease from outdoor barbecue grills after use, putting away bird feeders until the winter, keeping pet food indoors, and picking ripe fruit from trees and off the ground.
Anyone who sees a bear can contact the province's Bear Wise reporting line - police or 9-1-1 should only be called if it poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour.