ST. PAUL - Residents who were out enjoying Lagasse Park on Sunday afternoon may have noticed RCMP officers in the area, following a report of a black bear wandering in the park.
On June 8, Fish and Wildlife officers received a report of a bear in a green space at Lagasse Park in St. Paul, according to information from Calli Forbes, assistant communications director – Public Safety and Emergency Services, with the Government of Alberta.
"RCMP monitored the situation until the bear left the area," said Forbes.
"In Alberta, human activities have become more frequent in bear territory. As a result, bear habitats have become more fragmented and encounters between bears and humans more common, but actual bear-human attacks are very rare," states the information from Forbes.
"Bears can be unpredictable and protective and may react aggressively if they sense any kind of threat to their cubs, food source or personal space, even if it's unintentional."
Forbes also provided some tips that people can follow, when they are enjoying spaces where there might be bears.
- Carry bear spray - have it accessible and know how to use it.
- Make noise. Talk loudly, sing or let out occasional warning shouts. This will alert bears to your approach so you are less likely to cause a surprise encounter.
- Never going out alone. Bears are less likely to approach people in groups.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
- Watch for signs of bear activity, like droppings, tracks, scratched logs and fresh carcasses.
Forbes also notes that improperly stored garbage and attractants are the most common cause of human-bear conflicts.
"Storing garbage, pet food, bird feeders and other attractants out of the reach of bears can prevent them from returning to your home, ranch or camp in search of food; forces bears to seek out natural food sources away from human-use places; and minimizes the potential for property damage caused by wildlife. Remember that bear-resistant bins must be properly latched and regularly cleaned to prevent the odours that attract bears," according to the information provided by Forbes.
People can call Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Service’s 24/7 Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 to report any bear sightings or encounters.
