A bear sighting around Biggar recently caused some major hubbub in and around the community.
Online accounts share that it was first spotted May 19 in the RM of Biggar, before someone managed to capture pictures in Biggar between the blocks of 2nd and 3rd, and also 5th Ave East on May 20. After that the bear was spotted on Highway #14 between Kinley and Perdue on Saturday morning with the animal running south of the highway.
Even the Biggar RCMP made note of the animal.
"Is that a bear in town!" jokingly alarmed Sgt. Crozier in the detachment's latest report.
While it's fun to note the rare presence of bears, Crozier shared the animal likely made a quick exit after increased activity and attention. A similar attention-grabbing instance took place in Kindersley last year to get people talking.
Related Stories:
- "Saskatchewan is bear country": Specialist says local sighting not that uncommon
- Bear found in Regina tree euthanized after being moved out of city, province says
Bears aren't commonly found in the central part of the province, but it's not a surprise to see them this time of year as they trek towards territory by water. Most bears in Saskatchewan are found in the northern forests, but they can be found south as well in areas such as the aspen parkland, Touchwood Hills, Qu'Appelle Valley and the South Saskatchewan River Valley.
Bears are heavily attracted by food, so don't be surprised if you get a visit to your farmyard during their travels. The same "bear aware" tips for camping go for keeping bears away from your home. Putting away attractants like food waste, pet food, or bird seed can be enough to deter a bear from canvassing an area and keep them moving forward.
For more tips on how to prevent visits from bears, visit the latest Government of Saskatchewan release on the topic HERE.