Government Encourages Communities to Take Steps to Reduce Risk of a Bear Encounter

Natural Resources
June 1, 2007
Government Encourages Communities to Take Steps
to Reduce Risk of a Bear Encounter

Municipalities and residents are reminded that they have an important role to play to avoid attracting black bears that are now actively searching for food after hibernating for the winter.

"The proper storage, timely collection and proper disposal of garbage is key to reducing the potential for conflict between bears and people," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "Bears are always looking for an easy food source and, once they find human food or garbage, they continue to seek it out. The best place for bears for all concerned is in the wild."

Municipalities and residents need to take the appropriate measures to not attract bears into, or near, their communities. Conservation officers with the Department of Natural Resources are working with municipalities in areas where bears have been problematic to provide information on how to address the issue.

"Landfill sites, especially those in close proximity to populated areas, often act as a prime source of food for black bears," the minister said. "It�s very important that the appropriate action is taken to ensure trash is being properly buried. Bears that lose their fear of humans and frequent communities are a threat to public safety and may have to be destroyed, which we all want to avoid."

Black bear information has also mailed to directly to residents in problem areas. People need to be vigilant about storing garbage inside a shed or garage until collection day.

If anyone encounters a bear, they should:

remain calm;

speak loudly, but calmly to keep the animal at a distance;

give the bear space;

back away slowly while watching the bear and waiting for it to leave; and

avoid direct eye contact.

Always be extremely cautious around a female bear with cubs as the mother may become aggressive in protecting her young. After a black bear encounter or sighting, remove any food or garbage that may have attracted the animal to discourage it from returning.

Bear sightings can be reported to the Department of Natural Resources at any of regional offices around the province. For office locations visit - www.nr.gov.nl.ca/forestry/contact.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2007 06 01 2:30 p.m.

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