Bears are one of the top predators in northern Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

bear aware

Bears on the move after months of hibernation

May 11, 2020 | 2:23 PM

Black bears are awake in northern Saskatchewan and are looking for food after months of hibernation.

That’s according to Conservation Officer Lindsey Lako, who said it’s hard to predict whether a bear will be aggressive or not, so people should always assume it will be. No matter what the situation is, he advises residents to maintain a safe distance between a bear and themselves.

“Most of the time, animals have a natural fear of us, but they are one of our higher predatory animals on the food chain,” Lako said. “It’s always better to educate yourself and understand a little bit about bear behaviour and what to do in the event of an encounter.”

Lako also recommends never turning your back on a bear or making eye contact with one, especially if it has noticed you. He said people should back away and shouldn’t climb a tree either since bears are good climbers.

There are situation where bears could be immediately aggressive like if someone suddenly startles one, it has a cub or is protecting a food source. Lako noted bear spray is a good option for hikers if they find themselves in a dangerous situation, adding if they carry the spray, they should know how to properly use it.

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“If you are ever unfortunate enough to get yourself into an attack, playing dead with a black bear is not the thing you want to do,” he said. “If you are ever in a situation with an ongoing attack, you’re going to want to fight and use anything you can to use as a weapon.”

Lako believes the black bear population across the province is healthy, especially along the forest fringe. He wanted to remind residents they need to learn to co-exist with bears and not to do anything to encourage them to come into areas people inhabit. Lako said people shouldn’t feed bears or leave food out for them.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno