LAC LA BICHE - It might not be a Goldilocks fairy tale – especially when the residential garbage bin has been emptied and its contents dragged across the yard – but residents in three Lac La Biche subdivisions are telling the same bear story as a nuisance animal has been roaming in each of the neighbourhoods.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services spokesperson Laura Vilchis says local officers have responded to recent sightings in the Lac La Biche subdivisions and neighbourhoods of Dumasfield, Young’s Beach, and Holowachuk Estates. Recent bear sightings have also been made in residential areas of Lakeview Estates near the Lac La Biche Golf Club. Vilchis says that the lakeshores around Lac La Biche and Beaver Lake act as natural wildlife corridors, drawing animals into residential areas.
In the case of the bear sightings in Holowachuk, Young’s Beach and Dumasfield, officers think it’s the same bear.
“We believe a single adult black bear is frequenting Young’s Beach, Holowachuk Estates, and Dumasfield, with unconfirmed reports of a second yearling bear in Young’s Beach,” Vilchis told Lakeland This Week.
She said the recent calls are part of an increased presence of wildlife in populated area, explaining that officials with the provincial agency have seen a rise in problem wildlife complaints in the Lac La Biche area, specifically involving black bears frequenting residential neighbourhoods.
Bears pose an obvious danger to the public and pets and can also create problems when they damage property or dig into garbage bins.
Human food
Fish and Wildlife officers, she added, have confirmed that the problem bear is now food-conditioned and human habituated, primarily due to unsecured garbage. Bear activity, Vilchis said, increases in late summer and fall as bears prepare for hibernation, with unsecured garbage being the primary attractant.
“Our officers reminded residents to properly store their garbage and avoid leaving bins outside overnight,” Vilchis stated. “Garbage should only be placed outside on the morning of pick-up to minimize attracting wildlife.”
The bear reports in recent weeks are constant reminders on social media posts of local neighbourhood groups. Fish and Wildflife officials have also put up warning posters in subdivisions, reminding residents and visitors about the wildlife issue.
Bear jails
Fish and wildlife officers has also brought bear traps into the subdivisions, leaving them in areas where the animals may travel. The large traps, that lure in the animal and secure them inside a locked barrel, allow the officers to humanely relocate the animals to less populated areas of the northeastern boreal forest. Going into the last weekend, however, efforts to apprehend the bear have been unsuccessful.
Vilchis explained that officers have also conducted numerous patrols across in the subdivisions at varying times of the day and night. They’ve also conducted door-to-door visits to distribute BearSmart information, urging residents to secure their garbage.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife has provided some tips to reduce bear encounters and be safe.
Secure garbage until collection day.
Manage fruit trees and pick fallen fruit.
Remove bird feeders between April and November.
Feed pets indoors.
Keep BBQs clean and odor-free.
Properly manage compost.
Never feed bears.
Vilchis said that if residents encounter a bear or other wildlife that is a public safety concern, they can report the incident by calling 1-800-642-3800.
