There have been several reports of grizzly bear sightings and encounters in K-Country this summer.
Some of those encounters included bluff charges and grizzly cubs, causing trail closures and warnings for hikers.
But, bears can be encountered anywhere in K-Country at any time, and those who live in bear country are being encouraged by Alberta Fish and Wildlife to take some precautions to help keep bears out of backyards.
Some precautions Fish and Wildlife are suggesting people follow are keeping garbage and recyclable bottles and cans in bear-resistant, airtight containers and keep compost indoors, because when compost is outdoors, it can attract bears to the property.
During the months that bears are the most active, generally from the beginning of April until the end of November, consider removing bird feeders from your yard and be sure to clean up anything that spilled onto the ground.
Scrub barbecues clean after every time you use the grill and store them in a bear-resistant building and never leave food out for wildlife to eat.
For those with fruit trees and berry-producing bushes, consider removing them if bears are a problem, because they attract bears.
If you keep the trees and bushes, pick the fruit as early as possible and store it in airtight containers.
If a bear is seen in the community, let your neighbours know.
On top of that, parents are encouraged to teach their children about bear safety, such as to never approach a bear or irritate it by throwing things at it, never run away from a bear, but back away from it slowly and find a safe place to go, and stay with a group until it's safe to tell an adult about the bear.
Bears are most active at dusk, night, and dawn, so children should play close to the house and under supervision at those times.
In order to avoid a bear encounter with a pet, keep them on a leash and under your control, so the pet doesn't provoke the bear, and feed them indoors, as their food can attract bears.
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