May long weekend is usually the time Saskatchewan residents head to the lake if they can and it is also a good time to remind those enjoying the outdoors this weekend that warmer weather means bears are leaving their dens to search for food.

Black bears are found throughout the province. Their range includes all northern Saskatchewan forests and extends southward into the aspen parkland. Bears can be found in many other areas where suitable habitat exists including the Touchwood Hills, the Qu’Appelle Valley and the South Saskatchewan River Valley. The Environment Ministry says its important to keep the space you are occupying, either for the summer or the weekend, free of things that attract bears. If they can’t find food, they’ll leave. The Ministry stresses that when bears associate humans with their food source, they become a nuisance and a threat to public safety. There are new regulations which prohibit the feeding of bears, wolves, cougars and coyotes, even on the side of the road.

Some suggestions for dealing with wildlife include storing garbage in a secure building or buy a bear-resistant container and only put the bin out on the morning of collection. Wash all recycling items and regularly clean garbage or recycling bins, don’t leave pet food accessible to wildlife. Only use bird feeders in the winter when bears are hibernating. Don’t add fish, meat, fat, oils, unrinsed eggshells or any cooked food to backyard compost bins and clean BBQ grills after each use.