Environment ministry urges Saskatchewan to be ‘bear aware’ this spring

Spring is in the air, and bears are beginning to emerge from their winter dens around Saskatchewan.

The provincial environment ministry said it’s important for residents and visitors to be aware of the potential for bear encounters and take some simple steps to prevent conflicts and reduce the risks.

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Bears are found across the province, the ministry said. While they’re most commonly associated with forested areas in the north, they are also found in central and southern parts of Saskatchewan.

“During the spring, bears spend much of their time foraging to replenish body fat lost over the winter, making them more likely to seek out easy food sources near homes and campsites. Black bears are intelligent and ruled by their stomachs. Limiting attractants is the most effective way to reduce these interactions,” the ministry said.

“In Saskatchewan, it is illegal to feed bears and other large predators, such as wolves, cougars and coyotes.”

To reduce the risks of bear encounters, the ministry advised residents and visitors to keep trash indoors or in a bear-resistant container and place garbage outside only on collection day. Pet food should also be stored indoors, along with bird feeders during the winter months.

“Avoid placing meat, fish, fats, oils or other strong-smelling food waste in backyard compost,” the ministry noted.

“Clean barbecues thoroughly after use and store them in a secure area.”

When camping, the ministry said food should be kept out of tents and stored in sealed containers or inside a vehicle. All waste should be disposed of in proper containers, while food scraps should not be buried or burned.

Pets should be kept on a leash in areas where bears can be found, the ministry added, and anglers should use designated locations for cleaning fish while discarding remains properly.

“Being proactive by reducing attractants helps keep bears wild and minimizes the likelihood of dangerous encounters,” the ministry said. “If a bear or other wildlife presents an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.”