Here's how to limit bear encounters in Sask.
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
BREAKING | Conservative party disqualifies Patrick Brown from leadership race
The Conservative Party of Canada's leadership election organizing committee says it has disqualified candidate Patrick Brown from the race.

Assembly of First Nations delegates reject resolution calling for chief's suspension
An emergency resolution before the Assembly of First Nations annual meeting to reaffirm the suspension of National Chief RoseAnne Archibald has failed in Vancouver.
Two young ER doctors quit Montreal jobs, blaming Quebec's broken health-care system and Bill 96
Two young emergency room doctors, raised and trained in Montreal, are leaving their jobs after only two years to move back to Toronto – and they say the Quebec health-care model and Bill 96 are to blame.
Tamara Lich breached conditions by appearing with fellow convoy leader: Crown
The Crown is seeking to revoke bail for Tamara Lich, a leader of the 'Freedom Convoy,' after she appeared alongside a fellow organizer in an alleged breach of her conditions.
Parade shooting suspect charged with 7 counts of murder
A man charged Tuesday with seven counts of murder after firing off more than 70 rounds at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago legally bought five weapons, including the high-powered rifle used in the shooting, despite authorities being called to his home twice in 2019 for threats of violence and suicide, police said.
Woman who was set on fire on Toronto bus has died, police confirm
A woman who was set on fire while on a Toronto bus in a random attack last month has died, police say.
Bank of Canada's rapid rate hikes likely to cause a recession, study finds
The Bank of Canada's strategy of rapidly increasing its key interest rate in an effort to tackle skyrocketing inflation will likely trigger a recession, says a new study released Tuesday from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Canada is the first country to ratify Finland and Sweden's accession to join NATO
Canada became the first country to ratify Finland and Sweden's accession protocols to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday.
Northern heatwave melts records in Yukon, Northwest Territories
A northern heatwave is melting records in Yukon and Northwest Territories, where temperatures climbed above 30 C in the Arctic Circle.