There's an increase in bear activity in the La Ronge area. (Submitted photo/Ministry of Environment)

By Derek Cornet

environment

La Ronge conservation officers responded to nearly two dozen bear complaints so far in 2022

Jun 29, 2022 | 3:48 PM

The black bear population in the La Ronge area is healthy and stable.

That’s according to an email sent to larongeNOW from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. It states that so far this year, La Ronge conservation officers have responded to 23 calls regarding nuisance bears in the area, setting 11 traps and successfully relocating four bears.

“Unfortunately, it was necessary to euthanize two animals, as bears that become habituated to human food sources pose a public safety risk,” the email notes.

Last week, a public notice was issued to residents in La Ronge about recent bear sightings. Administration is requesting residents put their garbage out the morning of pickup rather than the night before.

The email adds that bears are intelligent animals and they are ruled by their stomachs, so it’s important to keep yards free of attractants that the animals could see and smell as an easy meal. Don’t leave pet foods out, take down bird feeders in the spring, and clean your BBQ after use.

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“Bears are wild animals, and they can be unpredictable,” the email states. “Give bears, and all wildlife, space and respect. If you encounter a bear, keep your distance, and do not try to scare the animal away.”

Residents are also advised to make a wide detour, calmly back away, speak in low tones and don’t look directly at the bear. Most often, the animals will move on without any intervention.

If residents have an aggressive encounter with a bear or if public safety is at risk, call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or from your SaskTel cell phone at #5555. To report concerns about a nuisance bear, contact the ministry’s general inquiry line at 1-800-567-4224 or by email at centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno