Northern Ontario trucking firm helps out hungry bears

Manitoulin Transport has been thanked for an outstanding effort at easing the hunger of Northern Ontario black bears.

The large trucking company — based in Gore Bay with locations across Canada — recently took part in a special mission to help out wildlife rescue centres, said a news release from Ontario Wildlife Rescue.

Manitoulin Transport was honoured recently for helping to deliver six tons (12 skids) of food to Bear With Us, a bear rescue centre in Ontario. 

"In the last two years, Manitoulin Transport has delivered 34 tons (69 skids) of food to help feed the black bears at Bear With Us. Manitoulin Transport’s generous support of Ontario Wildlife Rescue has made a significant difference to the number of injured and orphaned wild animals that have been saved," said the news release. 

"Manitoulin Transport has already delivered 421 skids (210 tons) of food and medical supplies to 23 wildlife rescue centres across Ontario at no charge. Locations include Barrie, Cambridge, Cornwall, Huntsville, Kingston, London, Ottawa, Pembroke, Peterborough, St. Catharine, Sudbury and Thunder Bay," the release continued.

Bear With Us, the largest bear rescue centre in Ontario, takes in injured and orphaned black bears. They go through a lot of food, especially dried dog food, often more than a skid a week, said the news release. 

Food is one of the biggest expenses for most wildlife rescue centres. Several pet food companies donate expired or damaged dry dog food. However, getting the food to wildlife rescue centres across the province has been difficult and expensive, said the release.