Natural Resources
September 18, 2007Public
Advisory: Province Encourages Public to Take Steps
to Reduce Risk of Bear Encounters
The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging
people not to leave garbage on their properties or to approach black
bears. The department has received numerous reports of the animals in or
near several communities in the province.
Municipalities and the public are reminded to take
appropriate measures to avoid bears including properly storing,
collecting and disposing of garbage. These measures are key
to reducing the potential for conflict between bears
and people. Bears are always looking for an easy food source and, upon
finding one, continue to seek it out. Bears that lose their fear of
humans and communities are a threat to public safety and may have to be
destroyed.
Conservation officers with the Department of Natural
Resources have been actively trapping and relocating bears. Public
safety remains their top priority as they continue to monitor black bear
sightings.
Anyone who encounters a bear 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
- Avoid direct eye contact; and,
- If you are near a building or vehicle, get inside.
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 should be reported to your local
Forestry and Wildlife Office. Office locations and contact information
are available at the Department of Natural Resources Web site -