The GNWT Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) received a report of a bear last week but to date there have been no injuries and the frequency of encounters in and around Hay River has been comparable to other years.

SA国际影视传媒淲e received a report of a bear on Sept. 8 in the evening in old town,SA国际影视传媒� said Jessica Davey-Quantick, spokesperson, adding that the bear was attracted to the smell of a barbecue.

SA国际影视传媒淭he number of bears that have been relocated or dispatched within communities this summer is similar to previous years. It is not uncommon for bears to come in contact with people and communities in search of food SA国际影视传媒� especially in the late summer when they are actively feeding to get ready to hibernate.SA国际影视传媒�

Officials are asking residents to be remain cautious and SA国际影视传媒渂ear aware,SA国际影视传媒� however.

Sensible, preventative measures that people can take to avoid attracting bear encounters include managing food and garbage on household property so that the animals donSA国际影视传媒檛 become used to humans.

Davey-Quantick said one of the biggest problems with bears is that they become accustomed to human food when it is easily accessible. That can lead to a greater tendency of the animal continuing to return to the food source and potentially putting vulnerable people and pets at risk .

SA国际影视传媒淥ur preferred method is to deter or relocate wild animals when possible, but public safety is our first priority SA国际影视传媒� particularly when children and families are nearby,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淢oving bears is a good option in some situations, but doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 work in others.SA国际影视传媒�

The department has continued putting out notices, warnings and signs when it is appropriate and when there is a risk for interactions between bears and wildlife or humans, she said. This has been done all over the territory.

SA国际影视传媒淪igns are posted in those areas when wildlife has been spotted near populated areas or areas where people and pets frequent, and are removed when the animal has moved on or is otherwise no longer considered a threat,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

SA国际影视传媒淚n the recent Hay River sighting, signs were put up to notify the public.SA国际影视传媒�

People should contact the department immediately when a bear is spotted through its emergency wildlife phone at 875-7640. The phone line is monitored by a wildlife life officer through bear season and reports are responded to as the come in.