UPDATE: Bear euthanized after lumbering into Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood

A black bear has been euthanized after wandering into Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood on Monday morning.

Police and fire crews found the bear – which weighed roughly 200 pounds – in a tree on the 1100 block of Victoria Avenue at around 4:20 a.m.

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According to the Government of Saskatchewan, police notified conservation officers after finding the bear in the tree.

Conservation officers attempted to tranquilize the animal, but according to the provincial government “due to complications, the officers had to make the difficult decision to take it to a safe location outside the city where it could be humanely euthanized.”

The government said immobilizing a large animal is difficult and complex.

“Officers have a high rate of success but sometimes the outcome for the animal is not the one we hope for,” the government noted.

No injuries were reported.

Police and fire crews found the bear in a tree on the 1100 block of Victoria Avenue at around 4:20 a.m. (Government of Saskatchewan/Submitted)

The provincial government said anyone who encounters a bear should keep their distance and avoid trying to scare the animal away.

“Make a wide detour, calmly back away, speak in low tones and don’t look directly at the bear,” a government spokesperson advised in an emailed statement.

“Most often, the animals will move on without any intervention.”

If a bear is repeatedly causing damage, the provincial government advised residents to call the RCMP or the provincial Turn in Poachers and Polluters line at 1-800-667-7561.

Bear sightings were reported in communities near Regina last year, including Lumsden and White City.

In a 2024 interview, Matthew Tokaruk, the Saskatchewan environment ministry’s black bear biologist, said the animals are often looking for food at this time of year. It is very rare to come across an aggressive bear, he added.

“Most times when you see a bear, you’re seeing the butt of a bear running away,” Tokaruk said. “It’s not interested in you and it’s moving on.”