Northumberland County strives to ensure that all visitors to the Forest have a safe and enjoyable experience. Help us make the Forest a welcoming recreational space where natural habitats are respected and preserved by observing the below guidelines.
Guidelines for visiting the County Forest
- Respect the Forest and its natural habitats by obeying signage, gates and barriers.
- Park at authorized trailheads only.
- Refrain from disturbing or feeding wildlife.
- Please note black bears are present in the Forest. Please follow the guidelines and information provided on the Government of Ontario’s Be Bear Wise webpage.
- Dispose of waste properly – do not litter (including cigarettes and tissues).
- Respect private property that borders the Forest.
- Respect other users by sharing the trails and using trails only as designated.
- Ensure pets are leashed and remove their waste from trails and parking areas.
- There is no camping in the Forest.
- Campfires are prohibited and please take care when smoking.
- Respect enforcement personnel – they are there to clarify guidelines and help ensure the Forest remains a safe space for visitors and natural inhabitants.
Respect and follow all signage
Restricted access to Hydro One corridor in the Forest
Safely managing encounters with wildlife
The Northumberland County Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and coyotes.
If a wild animal poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety — call 911.
Black bears
Please note black bears are present in the Northumberland County Forest. Here are some steps to take should you encounter a black bear:
- Stop. Do not panic. Remain calm.
- Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight and wait for it to leave.
- Throw objects, wave your arms and make noise with a whistle, air horn or yelling if the bear does not leave.
- Prepare to use bear spray.
- Get inside a building or vehicle, if you are nearby, as a precaution.
- Drop any food you may be carrying and slowly move away.
- Leave a bear alone if it is in a tree. Leave the area. The bear will come down when it feels safe.
- Play dead only if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.
To report bear sightings in the County Forest, please email us or call 905-372-3329 ext. 2303. For more information on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes, access helpful resources from the Government of Ontario.
Coyotes
While there have been no reports of aggressive coyote behaviour towards Forest visitors, there have been sightings along the trail network in 2021. Here are some steps to take should you encounter a coyote:
- Never approach, touch or attempt to feed a wild animal- keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you.
- Do not turn your back or run from a wild animal—back away from the animal while remaining calm.
- Stand tall, wave your hands, and make lots of noise.
- Keep pets on a leash and do not let your pet chase a coyote as it could result in injury to your pet.
- Carry a flashlight at night.
To report coyote sightings in the County Forest, please email us or call 905-372-3329 ext. 2303. For more information on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes, access helpful resources from the Government of Ontario.
