If you go into the woods, today or any day this long weekend you could be in for a big surprise.
It wont be a teddy gears picnic you may happen upon, but a real life black bear.
Orillia area naturalist Bill Leeming says the bruins have finished hibernation and are out looking for food.
He says at this time of year there is very little food available, so they bears will be covering a lot of ground trying to regain the weight they lost over the winter.
Leeming says if you are out on a hike in the woods, and come across a black bear and it is not paying attention to you, then slowly back away.
He says you should never run, as bears have been clocked running at speeds in excess of 30 miles an hour.
Leeming also says never try to climb a tree to escape a black bear as they are excellent climbers as well.
He advises that if a bear does approach you, try to make yourself as large as possible and make lots of noise in attempt to scare it off.
Leeming also warns that mother bears will be out with their cubs this time of year as well, and if you happen upon any of them give they very wide berth because the mother will be very protective of the cubs.
