“The bear population is very healthy so we’ve kind of expected this over the last couple of years,” said Kim George, a biologist with the Department of Natural Resources.
The number of calls to the Bible Hill DNR office could actually be far greater than 30 but George said officials try to determine how many calls are connected with the same bear, in which case it is classified as an individual sighting.
Although the department does not have any numbers related to the province’s actual black bear population, George said, “Colchester County definitely has some hot spots where we get numerous bear sightings.”
A black bear paid a visit to a Nuttby residence last week. Evidence of its presence, including tracks and overturned compost bins, has also been reported by several neighbouring residents.
“They quickly learn where there is a food source and when they are seen around houses in developed areas it’s usually because they quickly zone in on a food source. And they have a really good sense of smell,” George said.
“Usually they don’t come out in the daytime but they can be persistent and resourceful and unpredictable,” she said. “Generally, black bear are more afraid of us and usually are gone before we even know they’re there.”
But that unpredictability was evident in the fact that the bear in the Nuttby sighting did make its appearance in broad daylight. Nonetheless, George said, they “typically are very shy, timid animals,” and there have been no reports in Nova Scotia of human attacks or fatalities involving black bears. Nor has the DNR dealt with any reports of a bear going after a pet.
Most bear sightings are connected to food sources, she said, particularly when their natural food supply (insects, tree buds and leaves, berries, etc.) are not as readily available during a cool, wet spring, such as this year. If a bear is successful at obtaining food, it will continue to return, and in the process will become increasingly less afraid of people.
The best way to protect against having a bear come around, George said, is to just make sure there are no food sources outside that would attract it. That includes keeping compost and garbage bins clean and stored in a secure area and not putting pet food or bird feed outside at this time of year.
Preventative steps to reduce the odds of attracting black bears around your house and property, your campsite or when travelling in the woods:
At Your Rural Home
– Store garbage indoors or in metal bear-proof containers. On collection day, put garbage out as close to pick-up time as possible.
– Never put meat, fish, bones or seafood shells in the compost. Apply lime to reduce odour.
– Keep your green cart in a shady area away from forest cover. Put meat or fish scraps in a plastic container or bag and store in the freezer until collection day. Rinse your cart periodically.
– Keep barbecue grills clean and free of grease. The smell of animal fat and barbecue sauce may attract a hungry bear. Store the barbecue indoors if possible.
– Remove bird feeders once their natural food sources are available.
– Pick fruit and berries growing near your home that may attract bears. Even if you don’t want the fruit, dispose of it before it attracts a bear’s attention.
If You Encounter A Black Bear
– Stay calm.
– Speak in a firm authoritative voice and slowly back away. Do not look the bear in the eyes.
– Leave escape routes open for the bear.
– If the bear begins to follow you, drop something – not food – to distract it as you move away.
– Do not make threatening gestures or sudden moves unless you are being attacked.
– Never run or climb a tree. Bears excel at both.
– If a bear attacks you, fight back with anything and everything you can, and make a lot of noise. Do not ‘play dead.’ Use pepper spray if you have it.
SOURCE: Department of Natural Resources
For more tips, log onto: https://novascotia.ca/natr/wildlife/nuisance/bears.asp