To achieve the most effective and long-lasting solution
in avoiding unwanted nuisance black bear behaviour, we must
all practice prevention
rather than apply "after-the-fact" responses to
a bear that has already gained access to foods or adapted
to its availability. Black bears that become used to eating
foods associated with humans usually develop into "problem"
animals and must be either relocated or destroyed. Relocation
is often unsuccessful because a bear may:
- takes its learned "bad" habits and applies
them in the area where it was relocated;
- return to the original area and resume its nuisance
behaviour;
- or, die in the territory of another bear.
Destruction
becomes the only alternative when a bear becomes "habituated"
and "food-conditioned."
If you are having a problem with bears, please contact
your nearest Manitoba Conservation
office for advice or assistance. The phone numbers can
also be obtained either from the back of Manitoba’s "Cottager’s
Handbook" or the Manitoba
Hunting or Fishing Guides. If it is an emergency and
a resource officer cannot be reached, then call the local
RCMP office. If, however, you are forced to kill a bear
in self defence or in defence of property, please be aware
that under The Wildlife Act, the situation must be
reported to a Natural Resources officer within 10 days.
So please, do your part in deterring black bears from becoming
a nuisance, a danger, or having to be needlessly destroyed
by removing all attractants and by handling food and garbage
responsibly.
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