Be bear aware: Saskatchewan gov’t urges caution around wildlife

Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to be “bear aware.”

In a media release Wednesday, the provincial government urged people to be cautious as bears leave their dens in search of food.

“Remember, Saskatchewan is bear country,” Environment Minister Dana Skoropad said in the release. “Bears and other wildlife are a natural part of our landscape. Taking some simple, proactive steps can help protect us and the bears from potential conflicts.”

The province said black bears commonly are spotted in northern Saskatchewan forests, but their range extends south into the aspen parkland and into other areas like the Touchwood Hills, the Qu’Appelle Valley and the South Saskatchewan River Valley.

Bears can be attracted by pet food, household waste and overloaded compost bins, so removing those kinds of things will reduce the chance of a bear visiting someone’s yard.

The government laid out steps for bear-proofing yards, including:

• Storing garbage in a secure building or in a bear-resistant container, and putting out garbage bins only on the morning of collection.
• Washing all recycling items and regularly cleaning garbage or recycling bins.
• Ensuring pet food is stored where it is not accessible to wildlife.
• Using bird feeders only in the winter when bears are hibernating.
• Not adding fish, meat, fat, oils, unrinsed eggshells or any cooked food to compost bins.
• Properly cleaning and storing barbecue grills after each use.

People should call 911 if a bear (or other wildlife) poses a threat to human safety. To report issues with nuisance wildlife — including bears — people should call the Ministry of Environment at 1-800-567-4224 or email centre.Inquiry@gov.sk.ca.