With the summer season upon us the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has joined other jurisdictions in reminding residents to be bear aware.  Saskatchewan has a healthy black bear population and bears have been known to wander through communities and campgrounds.  They note bears are ruled by their stomachs and are intelligent animals and if they cannot find food they will leave the area.

They encourage everyone to remove bear attractions in their area.  Store garbage in a secure building or buy a bear resistant container and only put the bin out on the morning of collection, avoid leaving pet food available to wildlife, only use bird feeders in the winter when bears are hibernating and natural bird food is limited and properly clean and store barbeque grills after each use.

They advise if a bear is a nuisance in your area contact your Ministry of Environment office, Conservation Office or the RCMP.  Additional information on bear safety can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca.