It is that time of year when the bear population starts preparing for winter hibernation. Currently, bears are looking for food and they are ravenous. The term is called hyperphagia and it means extreme or excessive hunger. They need a lot of food to put on weight to last them through the winter months ahead.
"During this time of year, it is not unusual for bears to consume 20,000 calories per day," Ministry of Environment Wildlife Biologist Matthew Tokaruk said. "They may eat 20 to 30 pounds of berries per day, often increasing their body weight by 35 percent through late summer and fall."
Aside from berries and nuts, they are also scavengers. They will eat easy meals from garbage to raiding tents. The problem with feeding wild bears is they then think they get a free meal and become a nuisance animal. They are then destroyed.
There are steps you can take to keep unwanted bears from approaching your camping site in the parks. They will follow their nose when they smell food.
- Do not cook or eat in your tent
- Place all garbage in the containers that are provided. Do not burn or bury your scraps
- Clean fish are designated fish cleaning stations
If you are in the backcountry:
- Cook 100 metres downwind from your tent
- Store your food in an airtight container suspended four metres up a tree, one metre from the trunk and 400 metres from your campsite
When bears are this hungry, they can eat without noticing humans coming into their proximity. Make yourself known by singing or whistling, so the bears know you are there. Be aware of your surroundings. Look for signs of bear presence in the area such as tracks, droppings and claw markings.
If you encounter a bear there are certain things you can do:
- Do not take a selfie
- Detour around the bear
- Do not run. You cannot out run a charging bear
- If you have bear spray, be prepared to use it
- Keep calm, talk in low tones, don’t make eye contact and back away slowly
- Drop articles as it might distract the bear
- If the bear attacks, Do Not play dead. Defend yourself
Bear proofing your yard is as easy as not leaving garbage or any food sources outside to attract the sensitive nose of a bear.
- Dog, cat and bird food can be a temptation to a hungry bear. Store pet food in an airtight container inside a building or a bear proof container
- Do not overload a composter with fruit
- Clean the barbeque after each use
It is unlawful to feed wild bears, cougars, coyotes and wolves. Failure to manage food and garbage could lead to fines.
If you have an encounter with an aggressive bear and/or if public safety is at risk, call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from your SaskTel cell phone.
For public inquiries or to report concerns about nuisance bears, contact the Ministry of Environment's general inquiry line at 1-800-567-4224 or by email at [email protected].
For additional information about bears, bear safety and how to bear proof your yard, please follow the link at www.saskatchewan.ca/wildlife-issues
