Compared to 2011, one of the busiest years for Fish and Wildlife in terms of dealing with black bears in the Bonnyville and Cold Lake area, 2013 has been a rather quiet year, with only about one bear sighting being reported per week.
But that does not mean it is time to become complacent. With summer wrapping up, fall just around the corner and winter hibernation following close on its heels, the region's Fish and Wildlife officers are reminding residents, whether residing in urban or rural areas, to be “bear smart”, especially during the fall foraging season.
“This is the time of year when bears are on the move, they are foraging for the winter,” said Fish and Wildlife officer Kenton Yaceyko. “If there's a source of food available, it doesn't matter if it's in the bush or the city, bears will seek it out.”
Bears are clever, curious and live to eat, but there are some simple steps to keeping both bears and humans safe and reducing potentially dangerous interactions.
Managing the smells put out by potential food sources is the number one way to keep bears away.
Ensure human and pet foods are not left outside. Only place garbage out the day it is to be picked up, and keep grains and harvested animals inside locked sheds or garages.
Although there are thousands of encounters between humans and black bears each year, the vast majority does not result in an attack. However, bears can be powerful and unpredictable and need to be respected.
The results of encounters with bears vary greatly, depending on the time of year, sex of the bear, hunger or whether cubs are present. Always respect a bear's personal space and if possible retreat from an encounter the way you came.
Education is the key to reducing human-bear conflicts.
To understand more about how to avoid encounters with bears or what to do if you do encounter a bear, check out the Alberta BearSmart Manual, available at SRD.alberta.ca/RecreationPublicUse/AlbertaBearSmart.
