The warmer weather welcomes everyone to the outdoors including the black bear, just waking up from winter slumber.
Saskatchewan’s Ministry of the Environment is reminding people to be bear aware as they head out to enjoy nature. The warmer weather means that bears are leaving their dens in search of food.
Black bears are found throughout the province. Their range includes all northern Saskatchewan forests and extends southward into the aspen parkland.
“Keeping your yard free of attractants is the best way to avoid a bear encounter. Bears are smart animals; if they can’t find food, they will leave the area,” says Environment Minister Warren Kaeding.
Officials are sharing the following safety tips including store garbage in a secure building or buy a bear-resistant container and only put the bin out on the morning of collection, wash all recycling items and regularly clean garbage or recycling bins, also:
- Avoid leaving pet food accessible to wildlife.
- Only use bird feeders in the winter when bears are hibernating.
- Do not add fish, meat, fat, oils, unrinsed eggshells or any cooked food to backyard compost bins.
- Thoroughly clean and store barbecue grills after each use.
If you have an aggressive encounter with a bear, call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or from your SaskTel cell phone at #5555.
To report concerns about a nuisance bear, contact the ministry’s general inquiry line at 1-800-567-4224 or by email.
More information about bears and bear safety is online.