Here's how to limit bear encounters in Sask.
As Saskatchewan’s bear population comes out of hibernation, the provincial government reminds the public to be “bear aware” in its annual campaign outlining wilderness safety.
Black bears can be found across the province – from the northern Saskatchewan’s forests to the aspen parklands. Suitable habitats for black bears exist in the Touchwood Hills and the Qu’Appelle and South Saskatchewan River Valleys just to name a few examples.
Environment Minister Warren Kaeding reminded the public of this fact in a news release Tuesday.
"We share our province with wildlife," he said. "Keeping your yard free of attractants is the best way to avoid a bear encounter. Bears are smart animals; if they can't find food, they will leave the area."
The release also noted that regulations prohibit the feeding of bears and other predators such as wolves, cougars, and coyotes.
These regulations are meant to ensure that certain types of dangerous wildlife don’t gain access to human-sourced foods, and are therefore less likely to seek it out.
The Ministry of Environment outlined several steps the public can follow to help limit potential encounters with bears.
- Store garbage in a secure building or buy a bear-resistant container. Only put the bin out on the morning of collection.
- Wash all recycling items and regularly clean garbage or recycling bins.
- Avoid leaving pet food accessible to wildlife.
- Only use bird feeders in the winter when bears are hibernating.
- Do not add fish, meat, fat, oils, unrinsed eggshells or any cooked food to backyard compost bins.
- Thoroughly clean and store barbecue grills after each use.
The government advises anyone who encounters an aggressive bear or if the public’s safety is being threatened by a bear, to call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIFF) line at 1-8000-667-7561.
Additional information on bear safety can be found on the provincial government’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.