09/28/2021
Did you know: black bears are highly dependent on berries from late summer to fall in order to prepare for winter denning. Bears are looking to consume over 20,000 calories during this time of year by grazing on sugar-rich blueberries, huckleberries, saskatoons, chokecherry and soopolallie (aka soapberry or buffaloberry). With the high temperatures this summer, many of these berries ripened early and some have already shrivelled up on their stems. In parts of the province where bears are used to feeding on salmon returning to spawn, many will encounter few fish in the rivers. Bears that have spent the season dodging forest fires and smoke are now being drawn into our communities by the smell of fruit that has been artificially irrigated along with other sources of food.
It is natural to feel concern for bears and some may be motivated to leave water for them and not pick the apples and plums off their trees. Unfortunately, we are doing a disservice to these bears when we allow them to find shelter and food near people. Eventually, a bear that avoided human activity, will now become accustomed to it, and then linger in neighbourhoods to feed on human sources of food. When the fruit wanes, the bear may then move to other easy sources of calories such as unsecured garbage, birdseed and greasy barbeques. This results in a dangerous situation for people and bears. A food-motivated bear may break into structures and become defensive of its food source. These bears often have to be destroyed by the Conservation Officer Service when their behaviour is deemed a risk to the public.
The best way to keep people and bears out of conflict is to remove all sources of food for bears and continue reporting your sightings or conflicts to the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. Keep your garbage secure in your garage or shed until the morning of collection. Pick your fruit and do not let it accumulate on the ground.
Thanks to for sharing this knowledge and education.
