Northerners Urged to Practice Bear Safety After Cull in Norman Wells

Officials from the Department of Environment and Climate Change have issued a reminder to residents of Norman Wells about bear safety practices following the culling of four black bears last month. The incident occurred over the weekend of August 23-24, 2023, when the bears were destroyed due to their habituation to human presence, which posed a significant safety risk.

According to Charles Poon, a senior communications officer with the department, there have been 29 bear-related calls in Norman Wells this summer. These reports include various bear sightings and interactions, making it challenging to confirm the exact number of individual bears involved. Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with responses tailored to the behavior of the bear and the potential risk to the public.

Bears are often attracted to human settlements for various reasons, but the most common factor is improperly stored garbage. Poon noted that other lures include fruit trees, berry bushes, and human amenities such as bird feeders. Additionally, outdoor freezers and the smell of gasoline can also draw bears into populated areas.

To mitigate the risk of dangerous encounters, Poon emphasized several basic safety tips for residents. “Store garbage securely in bear-resistant containers or indoors,” he advised. “Pick up fallen fruit from trees and manage berry bushes. Avoid using bird feeders during bear season and ensure food storage units are secure.”

In the event of a bear sighting, Poon recommends that individuals maintain a safe distance and refrain from attempting to scare the animal away. Staying indoors or inside a vehicle is preferable, and sightings should be reported immediately. It is crucial not to allow others to approach the bear for photographs or videos, as this increases risk for both people and the animal.

Children and pets should be kept indoors during such encounters, and residents are encouraged to identify potential attractants that could entice bears back into the area. “Bears are opportunistic feeders,” Poon explained. “Once they discover an easy food source, they often return.”

As Norman Wells is located within a natural wildlife corridor, it is important for residents to recognize that many animals, including bears, pass through the area regularly. Nonetheless, if the community presents opportunities for easy meals, bears may become more inclined to linger.

The late summer and fall months are particularly critical, as bears are busy foraging to build fat reserves for winter. They can consume up to 25,000 calories per day, significantly more than the daily caloric needs of top-tier athletes, which range around 5,000 calories.

Poon urges all Northerners to review the Government of Northwest Territories’ guide on bear safety as the freeze-up approaches. Following these guidelines can help ensure the safety of both residents and wildlife in the region.