If you have an aggressive encounter with a bear, call the Turn in Poachers line. There’s a statement no one ever wants to have to act on, but with spring in full swing the Ministry of Environment wants Saskatchewan residents to be Bear Aware.

Black bears normally emerge from hibernation as the weather warms in March and April. Bears range from northern Saskatchewan forests and south into the aspen parkland. They are also found in a few select areas like the Touchwood Hills, Qu’appelle Valley and South Saskatchewan River Valley.

To minimize conflict landowners are urged to keep their yard free of what attracts them and this time of year it’s food. If they can’t find food, bears will leave the area.

– Store refuse in a secure building or buy a bear-resistant container. Only put your garbage bin out on the morning of collection.

– Wash all recycling items and regularly clean garbage or recycling bins.

-Avoid leaving pet food accessible to wildlife.

– Only use bird feeders in the winter when bears are hibernating.

– Do not add fish, meat, fat, oils, un-rinsed eggshells or any cooked food to compost bins.

– Properly clean and store barbecue grills after each use.

If you have an aggressive encounter with a bear, and/or if public safety is at risk, call the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or from your SaskTel cell phone at #5555.

To report concerns about nuisance bear(s), contact the ministry’s general inquiry line at 1-800-567-4224 or by email at centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.