Hungry Black Bears Raid Thunder Bay Yards for Apples and Garbage

In the lead-up to the 2025 hibernation season, the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario has seen a surge in black bear sightings in residential neighborhoods. On October 1st, 2025, local resident Jeff Tiboni encountered a black bear resting under a tree in his neighbor's yard, casually eating apples. Tiboni attempted to scare the bear away using a bear banger, but the animal simply moved to another nearby apple tree and resumed foraging.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the increase in bear activity is likely due to a poor natural food crop this year, forcing the animals to seek alternative sources in urban areas. Bears are currently in a state of hyperphagia, consuming up to 20,000 calories per day to fatten up for hibernation. Appealing food sources like fruit trees, garbage, and bird feeders have drawn many bears into Thunder Bay neighborhoods.

The Ministry advises residents to remove any potential bear attractants from their properties, such as unsecured trash and pet food. Tiboni noted that once the apple trees were stripped, the bears began targeting garbage cans instead. The city is offering special fall yard waste collection periods to help residents dispose of fruit and other bear-tempting items. Officials emphasize that community cooperation is crucial to deter bears and prevent dangerous encounters.