Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 28/05) - There has been an unconfirmed report of a grizzly bear sighting near the Yellowknife River.

Raymond Bourget, senior wildlife officer with the department of Environment and Natural Resources, said a report was called in over the weekend about a combination dark and light brown bear about one-half kilometre west of the river.

Wildlife officers investigated, but could not find tracks.

Bourget said the bear could already be out of the area. Grizzly bears have large territories. Some range over upwards of 6,000 sq km. At this time of year, Bourget said the bears are feeding on berries, grasses and meat to prepare for winter hibernation.

"It's very uncommon to have grizzly bears here. There has only been one incident," Bourget said.

In November 2004 a 400-pound grizzly was shot after charging at wildlife officers just outside the city.

One of the main differences between grizzly and black bears is that grizzlies tend to be more defensive, Bourget said.

"When a black bear faces something it feels is a threat, it runs away.

"A grizzly bear, when faced with a threat, particularly a surprise, is more inclined to attack to protect itself," he said.