In the recent weeks there has been a huge increase in the number of bear encounters within the Fort McMurray City Limits. The Wood Buffalo RCMP has responded to the majority of these calls to protect the general public from any danger posed by the bears.
Although bears are typically more timid than the silver screen would have us believe, bears will become braver if they find a food source and are not ushered out of town.
Tips to avoid bear encounters:
• When walking on trails, have a bear bell attached to your clothing or talk aloud. This will increase your chances of scarring a bear off instead of accidently sneaking up on a bear and making it feel threatened.
• Do not wear earphones when out walking and jogging.
• Keep all your garbage covered and secured containers.
• Never leave food out.
• Never attempt to feed a bear.
Should you encounter a bear that has noticed your presence, follow these few tips to ensure a safe ending for all involved:
• DO NOT RUN! This triggers the predator instinct in these animals as it does with most dogs.
• Continue to face the bear while slowly backing away from the bear with your arms extended over your head.
• Should the bear charge, then yell, scream, and make as much noise as possible, but never run.
Should you observe a bear in the city limits before it sees you, try to sneak away as quietly as possible while keeping an eye on the bear. Never turn your back. As soon as it is safe to do so, call Fish and Wildlife at (780) 743-9817.
If your life, or someone else’s life, is in imminent danger call 911 immediately.
