Roaming bears prompt warning to keep kids indoors on Brokenhead Ojibway Nation

For the second year in a row, parents in a Manitoba community are being told to keep their kids indoors after 9 p.m. due to roaming bears.

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, a First Nation about 65 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, sent out a warning to parents Tuesday after bears have been spotted strolling through the community and people's yards.

Coun. Buddy Prince said he and his son spotted a bear in their yard, and said it was the biggest bear he's seen in recent memory.

"There's been quite a few sightings of bears here lately and they're getting pretty close to the homes. It's been quite concerning," said Prince.

"We've got children walking the roads here at night and it's getting too close for comfort," he said.

"The one that I spotted a few days ago, he was a three and a half foot bear, right at the shoulder. He was a pretty big boy."

Traps set for bears

Prince said no children have come into contact with bears this year, but one of the animals did end up on somebody's balcony. A trap has since been set for the bear.

He said most of the bears this year are being spotted along the aptly named Bear Road, as well as across the river.

This is the second year the First Nation has cautioned parents about bears in the community. Prince said Manitoba Conservation was called in last year to trap bears and managed to capture two, which had to be put down.

"We're trying to avoid doing that this year and trying to catch them in the traps but so far, no success."

Prince said some of the things they are trying include using "bear bangers," which are small flares that make a big noise, but the bangers are quickly becoming ineffective, according to Prince.

"They don't seem to be afraid of the bear bangers anymore. I guess they've heard them so many times."

Prince said the First Nation also has security patrols on the reservation reminding people about the possibility of bear encounters. Residents are also encouraged to be "bear smart" and to keep their garbage locked up until garbage day.

How to be 'bear smart'

Manitoba Conservation offers these tips on bear safety:

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Watch for bear signs: tracks, droppings, turned-up stumps and claw marks in trees. If possible, keep in the open and avoid bear-activity areas, especially berry patches and carcass remains.
• Travel with a friend or tell someone where you will be.
• Never let children straggle behind or rush ahead.
• Make your presence known by any means available to you. Sight (waving your arms slowly) and/or sound (singing, clapping hands, talking in a calm voice) are good ways. Don't whistle, as it may resemble an animal's call.
• Do not use audio players with headsets, headphones or earbuds.
• Do not use cosmetics that emit strong fragrances.
• Avoid carrying and/or cooking highly odorous food (canned fish, bacon etc.).
• Backwood users must keep campsites clean. They should store food and unwashed utensils in airtight storage containers to minimize odours and they should pack all remaining garbage for proper disposal.
• Place food, the clothing you cooked in and any synthetic-based odours (such as perfumes, deodorants, and toothpaste) out of the reach of a bear — not in your tent. Suspend these items at least four meters off the ground in between two trees and well away from your campsite.
• Do not dispose of dishwater around or near your tent.
• Keep cooking vents clean on recreational vehicles and campers.