Saskatchewan has a healthy bear population and it is not unusual to see bears in the wild at this time of year. The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding residents to be mindful of bears while you’re in bear country, and take the following safety precautions when enjoying our parks, campgrounds and natural areas.
If you encounter a bear:
• Never feed or approach a bear or bear cubs.
• Calmly back away, speak in low tones, and do not look directly at the bear.
• Do not run; you can’t outrun a bear.
• Move toward a large structure like a tree or a rock.
• As a last resort, drop bags and backpacks; it may distract the bear.
• If attacked, defend yourself – do not ‘play dead.’ In most cases, black bears will threaten but not attack.
Generally bears are attracted by food and if they cannot find food they will often leave an area. Bears that have been fed lose their natural fear for humans. When bears start to associate food with humans, they become a nuisance, and potentially dangerous.
In a campground:
• Never cook or eat in your tent.
• Store food in air-tight containers in the trunk of your vehicle, not in tents or tent-trailers.
• Don’t leave garbage, scraps, or pet food lying around. Place all garbage in the containers provided; do not burn or bury scraps.
• Clean fish only at designated fish-cleaning stations.
• Keep your pet on a leash or inside your vehicle. An unleashed dog may aggravate a bear.
• Use a flashlight at night; do not move about the campsite at night unless necessary.
Residents are urged to report any aggressive encounter with a bear to your local Ministry of Environment office, or call the TIP line at 1-800-667-7561, or call #5555 on your SaskTel cell phone.
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