Tips to deter Black Bears from your area

[Jacalynn Furlong]

Recent black bear sightings in the town of Glovertown has the Department of Environment and Conservation advising the public on how to decrease the likelihood of bear encounters in your area.

Research shows that bears use human-based food sources to add to their regular diet. Although most bears are highly cautious of humans and are easily scared away, that's not always the case. Once a bear becomes used to humans they will come around residential areas more frequently, and their behaviour may become unpredictable or aggressive. Here's some tips residents should remember; never leave food, pet food, pop cans, or food containers outside; store food, garbage and coolers in your shed, cabin, or vehicle; harvest fruit from trees when ripe, keep dairy and meat out of compost piles; clean your barbeque after use, and remove your bird feeders from your yard in April and replace them in November.

Anyone who sights a bear should contact the Department of Natural Resources.The public is also advised that it is illegal to shoot bears without having the proper licence.