Fish and Wildlife Officers are warning you to be on the lookout for black bears in the region after sightings of more than 40 different bears have been reported in the RMWB since August 10.
They said the increased sightings mean fall is around the corner in northeast Alberta.
“With autumn always comes an increase in bear activity as they can sense the weather is changing, and they are looking to pack on the pounds before they settle in for their long winter nap,” the officers said in a Facebook post.
Officers have been able to map several of these bears’ movements within the city of Fort McMurray.
Outlined on the map are the areas where the majority of the sightings have occurred within the city. You are asked to keep in mind it is not uncommon to spot a black bear anywhere within the RMWB as it is prime black bear habitat.
All of the highlighted areas are typical places where officers receive calls annually. One should expect to encounter black bears in these places, as the creeks and river valleys provide optimal food and cover for bears, and they also use them as travel corridors to make their way through the city, for the most part, unseen.
Officers have responded to these reports to make sure these bears keep to natural food sources, avoid people and stay close to forest cover. Signage has also been installed throughout the city of Fort McMurray at all trail entrances, and several large panel displays have also been set up in key areas to provide further education and raise awareness.
Fish and Wildlife Officers said members of the public can rest assured they have the bear situation under control, but it is necessary to remind residents to be particularly BearSmart over the next couple of months by doing a few easy things around their homes to discourage bears from visiting:
- Keep trash stored inside a building until the morning of pickup.
- Remove any fruit from your trees and dispose of it properly.
- Keep your distance from bears and allow them space to retreat.
- Keep dogs on a leash, and don’t feed pets outside.
- Remove any bird feeders between April and October
- Clean your BBQ after each use and store it indoors.
You can also visit Alberta’s BearSmart website for more tips: bearsmart.alberta.ca
Phone the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 to report sightings and encounters.
