Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship reminds people with homes, cottages or campsites in or near bear county to Be Bear Smart.
As black bears are preparing for hibernation, they will be increasing their food intake. During August and September, people should be more careful about securing and eliminating food sources. At this time of year, bears will be more determined to gain access to natural (fruit and acorns) and unsecured foods (garbage and bird seed).
People can avoid conflicts with bears by eliminating and securing anything that lets off a bear attracting odour. To help, the following precautions are suggested and encouraged:
- never approach or feed a bear;
- take down all bird feeders and clean up the ground below feeders;
- remove all ripened or fallen fruit from trees daily in the morning and before dusk;
- feed pets indoors and keep food dishes indoors;
- clean and store barbecues after each use;
- double-bag garbage and place it in a bear-resistant container, secured building or fenced area, and be sure to seal it in a way that will not allow odours to escape;
- clean garbage containers regularly with bleach or ammonia to stop odours;
- take garbage with you when leaving your home or cottage, or ask a neighbour to put out the garbage for you just before pickup;
- don’t burn garbage;
- don’t compost any food items; and
- alert your neighbours if a bear is nearby.
Bears are wild animals and must be respected for the danger they can pose to people. In bear country:
- always assume bears are around even if no recent sightings or problems have occurred;
- carry bear spray and know how to use it; and
- while walking, be aware of your surroundings, walk or jog in groups, make noise, keep dogs on a leash and at heel, and do not use earphones to listen to music.
For more details on how to Be Bear Smart, refer to Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship’s website.
