---
title: "Black bear tranquillized and moved from Kanata after morning sighting"
description: "Ottawa police and conservation officers removed a black bear from the Morgan's Grant area of Kanata on Thursday, and are asking residents to take down bird feeders as bears search for food before winter."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/ottawa-2026/news/kanata-bear-safety-2026-10-29"
last_updated: "2026-10-29T23:57:01.659Z"
---

Ottawa police received a report of a black bear in a backyard in the Morgan's Grant area of Kanata on Thursday morning, and by mid-afternoon conservation officers had tranquillized the animal and relocated it. CityNews Ottawa reported the bear was first spotted just after 9 a.m. and moved through Kanata North before being safely removed.

Ottawa Police Service tracked the bear as it moved from the Morgan's Grant Woods Park area through the neighbourhood, reaching Kanata North near Klondike and March roads. Officers asked residents to keep their distance, not approach the animal, and give it space to move through the area. Just after 3 p.m., police confirmed the bear had been tranquillized and was on its way to a safer location.

## Why bears appear in Kanata in October

CityNews Ottawa reported that black bears are not uncommon in Ottawa at this time of year. In October, bears are building up their body weight before winter hibernation. They search actively for food, and suburban areas with bird feeders, unsecured garbage, fallen fruit and pet food outside can draw them in.

Ottawa Police are asking residents to remove bird feeders from their backyards during this period. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources also recommends securing garbage containers, bringing pet food inside, and picking up fallen fruit from yards to reduce attractants.

## What to do if you see a bear

The Ministry of Natural Resources says residents should back away slowly while keeping the bear in sight. If it does not leave, make noise by yelling, using a whistle or an air horn. Get inside a building or vehicle if one is nearby. Drop any food you are carrying and move away from it. Do not run, do not climb a tree, and do not make direct eye contact with the bear.

If a bear is in a tree, leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe. The ministry says to play dead only if attacked by a mother bear protecting her cubs.

## Calling for help

Ottawa residents who see a bear moving through a backyard, near garbage, or roaming a residential street should call the Ottawa Police Service non-emergency line at 613-236-1222. For a bear that poses an immediate threat to a person, call 911. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry also takes wildlife reports at 1-800-667-1940.

Gatineau Park posted a video in recent weeks showing a mother bear and her cubs, reminding people near the park to share the roads and give bears space as they prepare for winter.

Residents in Kanata and other Ottawa neighbourhoods near green space can reduce the chance of a visit by taking down bird feeders now and keeping garbage secured until pickup day.

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