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Black bear seen wandering in north Halton rural areas Continued from pg. 1 For those in the rural area, Almond advised that they shouldn't put sweet foods in their composters or their garbage out the night before pick-up. If someone perceives they're in danger because of a bear, Almond said they should call 911. Otherwise, bear sightings or damage to a property from a bear can be reported to the MNR's hotline at 1-866-514-2327. This isn't the first time a bear has been spotted in north Halton. In 2004, a bear was seen in Limehouse and Ballinafad. A few weeks later, what was believed to be the same bear was shot and killed in Greensville, near Dundas, by a Flamborough Animal Control officer after being tracked around suburban backyards for an hour and a half. Almond said in cases where a bear ends up in someone's backyard or up a tree, it can be trapped or tranquilized and rescued. "The only time we would endorse shooting a bear is if it's a public safety threat," he said. While it's unclear where this particular bear originated from, Almond said he knows there are a few bears that call the Niagara Escarpment home. The MNR's Web site advises those who encounter a bear to back away slowly while watching the animal and get into a building or vehicle. It also suggests only putting birdfeeders out during the winter months. For more tips visit http://bears.mnr.gov.on.ca. --With files from TorStar News Service Brampton men charged with running growhouse Two Brampton men are facing charges after Halton Police seized nearly $500,000 in marijuana plants from a Duncan Dr. Georgetown home last Thursday (June 1). Halton Police Drug and Morality Bureau officers searched the home located at 42 Duncan Dr. and found a sophisticated marijuana lab in the basement and 470 marijuana plants. Police also seized $6,000 worth of hydroponics equipment. Police also discovered a hydro-electric bypass to divert electricity to the lab without going through the hydro meter. Halton Hills Hydro assisted police in dismantling the lab. Charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, production of a controlled substance and theft of electricity are Tuyen Ngo, 28, and Hai Bao, 37, both of Duffield Rd., Brampton.