LAC LA BICHE – The onset of spring means that bears are emerging from hibernation after a long winter. As people prepare to head to wilderness areas in the Lac La Biche area to enjoy recreational pursuits, many of them are purchasing bear spray as a precautionary measure in the event of an encounter with these wild animals.
According to Chaffic Moghrabi of Lac La Biche Sporting Goods, during this time of the year, when bears start coming out of hibernation, quite a few people come into the business looking to buy bear spray.
Moghrabi explained that there are different sizes of bear spray canisters, with the standard one being a 225-gram bottle. The next size is a 290-gram bottle. There is also an even bigger canister, Moghrabi said, although that type is not very common.
“Most people are buying the two and a quarter gram . . . the people that are hiking, they don’t want a huge, big bottle,” he told Lakeland This Week.
People often ask questions, Moghrabi acknowledged, particularly about how to properly and safely use the repellent should they come across a bear in the wilderness.
He said there are courses available to the public to teach them how to use bear spray.
According to Moghrabi, many people who are not knowledgeable about bear spray are under the impression that they can spray the repellent at longer distances to defend against bears. Bear spray, he explained, is not effective at farther distances, and those who are using it must also be careful with wind direction.
“Essentially, bear spray is designed for shorter distances,” he said. “That means the bear is quite close to you if the bear spray’s effective.”
The biggest mistake people make with bear spray, Moghrabi added, is that they think they can spray the area they’re staying in to keep bears away, but that is not what it’s for.
Bear spray only works when it is actually being used against a bear, and it hits the animal’s eyes and face.
Spraying bear spray in the proximity of bears will not work and may even attract them.
In addition to bear spray, people who are looking for some protection going into the wilderness can also carry devices such as bear bells, whistles, flares, and bear bangers, which Moghrabi said is comprised of a cartridge attached to a pen that makes a loud noise.
“We sell a lot of those,” he said.
Bears who are emerging from hibernation will look around for what is available for them to eat, Moghrabi noted. Sometimes bears wake up, and if the dandelions aren’t starting to poke through by the brush and trees, they will go back into hibernation.
“Now, with the warmer weather and more snow melting, you will start to find the bears coming out of their dens,” he added.
People out hiking or enjoying the boreal forests of the Lac La Biche region are most likely to see either brown or black bears. Encounters with these wild animals are not common, Moghrabi said, and in most instances, making a lot of noise will cause them to flee.
Still, it is wise to err on the side of caution.
“Most of the bears will run away . . . but this time of year, obviously, when they’re hungry, this is when they’re the most volatile,” he said.
On April 11, Alberta Forestry and Parks and Public Safety and Emergency Services issued a public safety advisory as bears across the province begin emerging from winter hibernation.
The prime time for bear activity each year, according to the Alberta government, is from May until October.
“With increasing bear activity expected throughout the coming spring and summer months, Albertans are reminded to take appropriate precautions when spending time outdoors,” reads the advisory.
Todd Loewen, Alberta’s minister of Forestry and Parks, said as bears return to the landscape, the government asks everyone enjoying the province’s trails, parks, and outdoor areas to be alert and take necessary steps to avoid conflicts with these wild animals.
“Bear safety is a shared responsibility, and simple precautions can help prevent serious encounters,” said Loewen.
Mike Ellis, the provincial minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, said safety in bear country depends on peoples’ awareness and preparedness.
“We urge all Albertans to respect wildlife and follow safety guidelines to ensure both human and bear safety during this active season,” Ellis stated.
As stated in information from the government of Alberta, spring marks a high-risk period for encounters between humans and bears, as black and grizzly bears and their cubs emerge from dens in search of food.
Natural food sources are limited early in the season, which can draw bears closer to trails, roads, campsites and residential areas.
The advisory offered safety advice to those spending time in bear country, by taking precautions such as travelling in groups and staying on official trails and making noising regularly to avoid surprising a bear.
For those enjoying the great outdoors, it is also recommended to always keep dogs on a leash, carry bear spray and know how to use it, and store food, garbage, and other attractants in bear-resistant containers.
In the event of a bear encounter, people are urged to remain calm and not run. Instead, back away slowly while speaking in a calm, firm voice and, if a bear approaches, prepare to use bear spray when within range.
