Problem bear fix needed before tragedy happens: MPP

A northeastern MPP is speaking up about problem bears, saying it's not just an issue in northern Ontario.

Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof raised the question at Queen's Park Thursday, and pointed to a recent bear encounter that happened in Peterborough, east of Toronto.

Vanthof said changes need to happen before tragedy occurs.

"Bear attacks are getting harder and harder to ignore as the minister has acknowledged, Vanthof said.

Will it take a bear on the south lawn of Queen's Park to force the ministry to do its job?"

Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti acknowledged there have been a number of human and bear interactions in the province this year, and added Liberal MPPs are concerned about problem bears as well.

"We are working with our ministry officials to develop a plan that will see a more effective response when it comes to nuisance bear issues in the province of Ontario, as this issue has been raised by members of the [opposition], Orazietti said.

Recently, Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro announced plans to introduce a private members bill for more bear hunting options.