Manitoba Conservation are telling us that having a bird feeder can be problematic when there are bears around.
Three cubs were orphaned on Thursday night after a mother bear was shot trying to enter a porch at a home in Pinawa, Manitoba.
Black Bear Rescue Manitoba has taken in two cubs, but a third cub remains unaccounted for.
Manitoba Conservation says there's been an increase in incidents involving black bears this summer. They say one of the most common causes of human-bear conflict is when bird feeders are present.
The province has recommended the following tips to avoid conflict with black bears:
• never approach or feed a bear or any other wild animal;
• restrain (leash) dogs when walking outside to reduce the potential of it harassing a bear or of being attacked by one as unrestrained dogs can lead a bear back to the dog’s owner;
• store garbage in a secure building or bear-resistant container;
• secure compost piles or compost food items indoors;
• remove ripened or fallen fruit daily in the morning and before dusk and do not allow it to rot on the ground;
• allow barbecue grills to burn for about two minutes after cooking to burn off grease and to eliminate odours;
• clean grills and grease cups after each use;
• clean up after picnics in the yard or on a deck and do not allow food odours to linger;
• feed pets indoors; and
• fully enclose backyard beehives and chicken coops – electric fencing is an effective bear deterrent.
