Bear sightings reported in White City

Another bear has been spotted in a Saskatchewan community.

This time, in White City.

In an email sent to parents, Emerald Ridge School said there were two reports of a bear on Meadow Park Road. The school said bear was first spotted on a doorbell camera, with the second sighting occurring on Thursday morning.

“We want to assure you that we are aware of the situation and are prioritizing student safety,” the school’s statement read.

“We have contacted the Ministry of Environment and the White Butte Police Detachment, and conservation officers are actively  searching the area.”

Residents in the neighbourhood told 980 CJME they saw conservation officers in the area on Thursday.

As a result of the sightings, students at Emerald Ridge School are being kept inside for recess and lunch, out of an abundance of caution.

980 CJME has reached out to Saskatchewan’s Environment Ministry for an update.

In May, a bear wandering through Lumsden was shot dead by authorities after multiple attempts to trap the animal ended in failure.

In a recent interview with 980 CJME, black bear biologist Matthew Tokaruk said bear sightings are normal at this time of year.

“These bears can travel pretty great distances — hundreds of kilometres at times — looking for new habitats, new food sources, you name it. They’re out on their own for the first time, and these are the bears we tend to see in the areas we wouldn’t expect them,” he explained.

–with files from 980 CJME’s Roman Hayter