Province urges public to be ‘bear aware’ this spring

Each spring, bears emerge from their dens in search of food, and the Government of Saskatchewan is asking the public to take a few simple precautions to reduce the risk of a bear encounter.

“There are black bears in most parts of the province,” the environment ministry explained in a statement.

“Although they are frequently seen in the forests of northern Saskatchewan, their range also includes the aspen parkland, Touchwood Hills, the Qu’Appelle Valley and the South Saskatchewan River Valley.”

Bears are intelligent animals driven largely by their desire to eat and put on fat, the ministry said. If they can’t find food, they’ll likely leave the area, which means it’s important to ensure food isn’t available.

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That can include pet food, garbage, bird feeders and barbecues that haven’t been cleaned. By removing the sources of food, the risk of coming into contact with a bear can be significantly reduced.

“Reducing or removing attractants is a crucial step in keeping yourself and your property safe in bear country,” the ministry said.

Garbage should always be stored in a secure building or a bear-resistant container, the ministry said, and pet food should also be stored securely. Bird feeders should only be used during the winter months when bears are dormant, and those with composed bins should avoid adding meat, fish, fat, oils, cooked food or unrinsed eggshells.

It’s also important to properly clean and store grills after use, and keep food out of tents and trailers.

In addition, the ministry advised keeping pets on a leash and only cleaning fish at designated stations.

Call 911 if a bear or any other animal poses a safety risk, the ministry advised. Encounters with aggressive animals can also be reported to the ministry at 1-800-667-7561.