Sault St. Marie police have received complaints of a large black bear wandering in the north part of the Sault and in the “P-Patch” area, which is predominantly a residential neighbourhood backed by some woodland.

Officers have been looking for the animal, which they say has not been easily scared off by humans. They said it's a sign the bear is very comfortable in the area.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Sergeant Lisa Kenopic said police and the Ministry of Natural Resources have been working to capture the bear with no luck.

Avoid attracting black bears into populated areas by:

Putting garbage out only on the morning of collection.

Storing garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.

Putting away bird feeders and suet

Cleaning and putting away outdoor grills after use, including the grease trap

"I know the ministry attempted to trap it and have had unsecessful attempts, so, it's still out there,” said Kenopic.

“We've increased our patrols in the area. Over the weekend we called in additional officers and assigned them to those areas.”

Bears have been a problem in the city, as police have received reports of a number of sightings.

Kenopic said bears are attracted to food. She noted that people should only put out garbage the morning it's to be collected — and store waste in containers with tight-fitting lids.

She added people should continue to report sightings of the animal by phoning the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-866-514-2327.