The province is asking Saskatchewan residents to be mindful not to attract bears as they come out of hibernation. (Photo 32792645 © Derek Audette | Dreamstime)

By Josh Ryan

Bear season

Province reminding residents to avoid bears this spring

Mar 17, 2021 | 1:02 PM

As the snow melts in March and April, conservation officers in Saskatchewan are warning residents to be aware that it’s bear season.

Over the next few weeks, the large four-legged animals will be awakening from hibernation and begin their annual quest to eat as much as possible. Matthew Tokaruk, black bear biologist with the Ministry of Environment in Saskatchewan, said for everyone out at cabins or campsites, keeping yards and properties safe is the most important thing they can do to prevent possible interactions with bears.

“Whether that’s garbage, bird feeders, your dog’s dish left on the deck, or the grease on your BBQ, bears are driven by their stomachs,” he said. “It’s life or death for them to eat enough calories throughout the summer, that’s what they need to make it into hibernation safely and successfully, so if we remove those attractants, that plays a huge role.”

Tokaruk said in addition to the immediate danger of attracting a bear to your site of residence, it can encourage them to become more familiar with a spot they would otherwise not pass through. Hence, removing anything edible that can leave a scent that’s attractive to bears is critical.

“That’s when we have problem bears, when they become habituated,” Tokaruk said. “So, if those folks can keep their campsite, picnic area or wherever they happened to be free of those attractants, it helps [tremendously].”

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While there are specific regions where bears are more frequently known to roam, such as in the north, Tokaruk said areas like the Battlefords aren’t devoid of bears. While it’s not a dense area for their population, he would still call it bear country.

“The bears are going to be tied what available habitat there is, but along rivers, which like the one that goes through the Battlefords region, that can be a place where wildlife is traveling,” he said.

When asked if any changes in behavior could be seen, based on different levels of human traffic in parks between last spring and this spring, Tokaruk said there’s little chance of worry and to keep following safe practices to the letter. Because bears are so food focused and there are plenty of natural foods available, he said normal patterns are likely in place.

“I don’t anticipate a huge change, it really just comes down to taking the [precautions I outlined].”

Anyone who has had direct contact with a bear, or who’s property has been damaged by bears, should immediately contact their local Ministry of Environment office or call the turn-in-poachers and polluters line.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports