By Bryan Eneas

Be bear aware everywhere: Conservation

Sep 7, 2017 | 11:47 AM

A recent bear attack close to a central Saskatchewan community, highlights the need to cautious around wildlife no matter where you are.

At roughly 7:30 p.m. on Labour Day, paramedics with Parkland Ambulance responded to a call about a man who was attacked by a bear near Weirdale, roughly 50 kilometers northeast of Prince Albert.

A 39-year-old man was taken to Victoria Hospital with serious injuries. He was later transported to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, where he remains in good and stable condition cited a release from Parkland Ambulance.

According to conservation officer Kevin Harrison, bears aren’t uncommon anywhere in Saskatchewan.

“We have bears throughout the province, it’s not uncommon to see a bear anywhere in the province, but generally the larger population is in the north,” Harrison said. “If you’re in bear country there’s always potential you’re going to run into a bear, so that’s something to be aware of.”

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The conservation officer recommended people venturing into bear country carry bear spray with them. He said it’s best to make noise and be loud to make bears aware of a human presence.

Harrison said if people do come across a bear in their adventures, they should back away slowly while trying to circle around the animal, while keeping a calm voice.

“You don’t ever want to yell at [a bear] to startle it,” Harrison said. “If it does attack you wanna fight with everything you’ve got, do not play dead. Use whatever you’ve got…whatever you can get your hands on to defend yourself.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas