It is common for black bears to be spotted in and around La Ronge this time of year. (Submitted photo/April Chiefcalf)

By Derek Cornet

wildlife

Video shows La Ronge conservation officers releasing sow and cubs

Jul 14, 2023 | 1:13 PM

La Ronge conservation officers have responded to 30 calls for service regarding bears so far in 2023.

That’s according to data provided by the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, which notes it has been a busy season similar to last year when there were 35 calls for service in the area by July 13.

“A common theme in many of the calls – bears drawn by garbage or other attractants and becoming conditioned to human food sources, creating a public safety concern,” an email from the Ministry to larongeNOW stated.

From those 30 calls for service, 12 traps were set and ultimately nine bears were trapped and successfully relocated. In 2022, there were a total of 83 calls for service resulting in 43 traps being set with 13 bears relocated and four bears being euthanized.

A video posted online this week by the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers shows the release of a bear and her cubs. The bears, which had become a public safety risk, were trapped within La Ronge and released 80 kilometres from the community.

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The trap used in this case had a partition ideal for the situation, as having the sow in the trap helped lure in the cubs so that officers could relocate the entire family unit.

“There are different means to release trapped bears, dependent on the location of release, behaviour of the bear, and type of trap,” the description of the video noted.

“Officers determined the best method was to have the release officer on top of the trap, with an officer acting as overwatch with lethal force (shotgun and slugs) should the bear decide to turn on the officers. Officer safety is paramount while dealing with wild animals. Fortunately, this release followed suit with how the majority of releases go, and the bears ran off immediately into their new home.”

The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety is reminding residents that Saskatchewan is bear country. Black bears are a natural part of the landscape in most of the province, including the La Ronge area. Saskatchewan has a healthy and stable black bear population, and it is normal to see bears in and near the community at this time of year.

“Be bear-aware and take steps to minimize your chances of an encounter,” the email noted.

“Bears are intelligent and 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. Do not put your garbage cans out the night before, for pick up the next day. Don’t leave pet foods out, take down bird feeders in the spring, and clean your barbecue after use.”

Bears are wild animals and can be unpredictable. 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. 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 the public has 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