July 19, 2006

Manitoba Conservation reminds people with homes, cottages or campsites in or near bear country to be bear smart.

Black bears are beginning to increase food intake as they prepare for hibernation later this fall. People may see more black bears in the woods or near their homes as bears search for maturing natural fruits.

By eliminating and securing anything that emits a bear-attracting odour, bears will be deterred from being lured to residences and cottages in search of an easy meal.

To safeguard individuals and property:

• Never approach or feed a bear.

• Double bag garbage and place it in a bear-resistant container, secured building or fenced area. Be sure to seal it in a way that will not allow odours to escape. When bear-proofing, remember - if it can be pried open with a crow bar, it’s not bear-proof.

• 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.

• When practical, freeze garbage in bags and put the bags in the container just before garbage pickup and not the night before.

• Don’t burn garbage.

• Don’t compost any food items.

• Take down all bird feeders between April and November.

• Clean and store barbecues after each use.

• Feed pets indoors and keep food dishes indoors as well.

• Remove all ripened or fallen fruit daily in the morning and before dusk.

Bears are a part of nature but they are wild animals and must be respected for the danger they can pose to people. When in bear country, always assume bears are around even if no recent problems have occurred.

In May, the province launched a new education and awareness public safety campaign called Bear Smart, helping people understand what they can do to deter bears from associating food sources with people and dwellings. 

For more details on how to be bear smart, please refer to Manitoba Conservation’s website at http://www.manitoba.ca/blackbear.

- 30 -