Bears have always been one of my favourite animals. I can’t remember the first time I ever saw a bear but I do remember bear sightings were really rare. For the most part bears are shy and not interested in anything except food. Unfortunately, humans are not as diligent as they could be when it comes to securing attractants.
Bears are often named as one of the most feared animals and for sure they can be terrifying if they are defending their young or rummaging through your cooler while you cower in your tent. Bears are omnivores and mostly feed on grasses, berries, roots, and insects. Occasionally they will eat small rodents or carrion and any food source that is easily accessible will attract bears. Garbage, greasy barbecues, and ripe fruit are all potential food sources for hungry bears. Ensuring your garbage is secured, the can is washed out once in a while, the grease pot under your barbecue is emptied, and any ripe fruit is picked from the tree or off the ground will help reduce the chance of a hungry bear showing up in your yard.
I have had a number of encounters with bears and fortunately, have never had a dangerous or frightening incident. When I lived in British Columbia, I had bears come through my yard on a pretty regular basis and when I moved into rural BC, visits increased and were most frequent in the fall.
Here in Yellowknife bears are a pretty uncommon sight within city limits. When they are spotted it is usually at or near the dump or another significant attractant. In most cases, the bear will be shot if it is caught eating human food. Bears are often spotted along the highways outside the city particularly where there is a human settlement. One year not long ago 5 bears were killed by wildlife officers because residents were not diligent in hazing bears, or cleaning up their messes which resulted in bears losing their fear of humans. Many people were upset about it because they enjoyed watching the mother bear with her cubs.
Just recently, wildlife officers took video of a sow and her 3 cubs approaching their truck looking for a food handout. Obviously, someone had been feeding them putting the entire family at risk. A fed bear is a dead bear. Not only could these bears be hit by vehicles, but they could be shot by unethical hunters, harassed, or poached. Even worse is the chance some poor fool would try to selfie them or approach them because they appear “tame”. Not everyone who visits is bear aware and feeding puts both residents and tourists at risk.
I realize this blog turned out more like a public service announcement than a wildlife posting but it is so important to respect an animals autonomy and not interfere in their life no matter how much we think we know better.
Please feel free to share these images and this information with your friends and neighbours.