This news release has been archived. View current Government of Yukon news.

# Bears are awake: keep them wild and alive

Conservation officers are reminding the public that bears are out and now is the time to take precautions to keep you and your property are safe.

Yukoners are reminded to act responsible and remember that

- Recycling is a powerful attractant for bears. If you are storing it while the depots are closed, wash it thoroughly and keep it in a secure and enclosed space, ideally a garage.
- Bears that are attracted and rewarded with human-sourced food often become a threat to public safety. They no longer fear people, houses or vehicles and may become more aggressive in their search for food.
- Farmers and hobbyists with livestock should use electric fencing. It’s a safe and effective way to keep bears and other predators off your property. It can be used to prevent access to livestock pens, chicken coops, beehives, dog kennels, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, berry bushes, compost and garbage.
- Bears can show up at any time in Yukon. Be alert, travel in groups while adhering to physical distancing recommendations, keep children nearby, make noise and carry bear spray. Keep bear spray accessible and know how to use it.

Yukoners can learn more about safety, awareness and bear ecology at the virtual bear fair event on the Conservation Officer Services Branch Facebook page @yukoncoservices, from May 11 to 15.

> We share our wilderness home with a large and active bear population. As the weather draws more people outside to enjoy the land, it is a good time to remind all Yukoners of our role in reducing the potential for human-wildlife conflict. Let’s do our part to ensure the safety of the public and to keep our bears wild and alive by properly managing attractants.

> A coop full of chickens is an easy target for a hungry bear. WildWise Yukon is dedicated to reducing human conflict with wildlife. This summer we are helping food producers install electric fencing around these major attractants. Properly installed electric fencing is the best available tool for keeping livestock safe from bears and bears away from livestock.

Quick facts

- The second annual Bear Fair has gone virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Managing attractants, at home or while camping, is one of the most important things we can do to manage human-wildlife conflict. Keep attractants in secure waste containers, vehicles, hard-sided trailers, bear-proof canisters, locked buildings or behind electric fencing.

- Call the TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525 to report aggressive encounters with wildlife or a bear in a residential area.

Media contact

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca

Heather Avery
Communications, Environment
867-334-8390
heather.avery@gov.yk.ca

Heather Ashthorn
Executive Director, Wild Wise Yukon
867-335-5212
info@wildwise.ca

News release #:
20-128
Related information:
Stay safe in bear country
Reducing wildlife conflict with electric fencing