As we welcome warmer weather with the onset of spring, Fish and Wildlife officials want to remind residents and homeowners to be aware that bears are waking up from their winter slumber.
"The bears are starting to come out of hibernation with this warmth," Darren McInnes told the Round Up last week.
At this time of year when vegetation begins to green up, animals of all kinds come out to forage and hunt, he said.
"They'll pick the easy target."
So people should take measures to ensure their properties are kept clear of any potential food sources that might lure in a hungry bear that's looking for the easiest possible snack as it seeks to replenish its depleted energy supply after such a long sleep, he said.
There exists in the Sundre region a healthy population of both black and grizzly bears, although the latter have been protected for a number of years. Whether residents should report a sighting or encounter depends largely on where the incident occurred, he said.
"If you're out in the mountains driving up a road and you see a bear crossing, they live out there, so it's not a real issue. But if it's in your yard, call us."
Sometimes, a bear might be drawn to something on a property that the homeowner might simply be unaware actually attracts the animals, he said.
"If they're in your yard, there's usually a reason why."
The local Fish and Wildlife office, which is open Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 403-638-3805, makes available to the public hunting permits as well as information, he said.
"(But) if it's an urgent matter, the number to call is the Report A Poacher line."
That provincial service, which can be reached at 1-800-642-3800, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he said.
Black bear season started April 1 and runs until the end of May in this area. Hunters are also reminded that they require an updated hunting licence for the new year, he said.
Meanwhile, the Fish and Wildlife officer encourages everyone to be mindful of what is being left out on their properties.
"At the end of the day, it's not just the bears you have to worry about."
Any kind of food source has the potential to draw out "all kinds of critters," he said.
