Action taken to control nuisance black bears and ensure public safety

Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale is again encouraging people not to leave garbage on their property after a conservation officer had to shoot two black bears in the community of Sop�s Arm, White Bay this week.

The bears, a mother and a cub, attempted to enter a home through a window and would not leave the community. They were deemed to be a threat to public safety and destroyed. Since August 25, conservation officers have successfully relocated eight bears from communities in White Bay.

�While every attempt is being made to trap and relocate the bears, public safety has to be our main priority when a bear enters a community and has the potential to come into contact with people,� Minister Dunderdale said. �What makes this increased presence of bears in communities even more heartbreaking is that bear cubs are following their mothers into these populated areas and learning these problematic habits.�

The department is monitoring the bear situation in a number of communities around the province, particularly on the west coast and Labrador, as a result of increased sightings and complaints. Last week in La Scie, a black bear, which was reported to be on several patios, was shot by a resident. Conservation officers investigated the incident and determined the resident was protecting his family and property.

�Our conservation officers are reporting that the bears are becoming extremely bold and appear to be losing their fear of being in communities and around people while searching for food,� Minister Dunderdale said. �It is important for anyone who encounters a bear to report it to our office so it can be handled by trained individuals.�

Residents are asked to store their garbage inside so as not to attract bears. The majority of the reports of bear sightings in communities have been accompanied by complaints of bears damaging garbage cans and boxes in search of food. The bears could also be attracted to barbecues on patios or the drying of fish. People are also asked to avoid any contact with bears so the animals retain their natural fear of humans.

In an attempt to control the black bear population, which appears to have increased in the last two years, the Department of Environment and Conservation increased the bag limit for each licence to two animals this year.

�The fall hunting season for black bears is now open, which should help lessen this problem,� Environment and Conservation Minister Clyde Jackman said. �It is hoped that by increasing the bag limit this year, the black bear population will be held in check at sustainable levels and that these nuisance instances will be reduced.�

Conservation officers continue to monitor the situation in these communities and attempts are being made to trap and relocate the animals to ensure public safety. Bear sightings can be reported to the department at the following numbers:

• White Bay - (709) 482-2325
• Baie Verte Peninsula - (709) 673-3821.
• Western Newfoundland - (709) 637-2370 or 643-4806.
• Red Bay - (709) 920-2004
• Port Hope Simpson - (709) 960-0451
• Cartwright - (709) 938-7362

Also, in all instances people can contact the RCMP.

If anyone encounters a bear, they should:
back away slowly while watching the bear and waiting for it to leave;
if you are near a building or vehicle, get inside;
remove any food or garbage that may have attracted the bear to discourage it from returning.

Media contact:
Tracy Barron, Communications, Natural Resources, (709) 729-5282, 690-1703
Tina Coffey, Communications, Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-5783, 728-8650

2006 09 13                                      4:15 p.m.