The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry confirms we are seeing more bears this summer.
Jolanta Kowalski says, “Over the month of June, July, and August of last year, there were 100 bear calls, compared to 230 calls in 2021. Keeping in mind that one bear can result in multiple calls to the Bear Wise Line.”
She notes the bruins are having to look further for food, partly because of the forest fires.
“The late spring frost and the drought. They’ve all contributed to this. The hot and dry weather across the northwest combined with a late spring frost that killed a lot of blossom and fruits has caused a real drop in the amount of natural foods found in the bush.”
Kowalski notes if a bear is posing an immediate threat, call 911, otherwise call the Bear Wise Hotline at 1-866-514-2327 to report a sighting or get tips on how to make your property less inviting to the animal.
