Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 15/02) - Be careful out there. Black bears are emerging from their dens and those who enjoy the outdoors or live in it are being cautioned to remain alert to the furry, and hungry omnivores.

It is difficult to tell what effect the late spring has had on the denning habits of the local bear population, since none of them are collared.

But bears typically emerge from their dens in late April and early May after six months without food.

Wildlife biologist Dean Cluff said there have been no reported sightings of bears so far in the Yellowknife area this year, but one unconfirmed sighting was reported from Rae Lakes.

"The advice is still the same -- bears are going to be hungry and looking for food," Cluff said.

People should present as few temptations as possible -- where bears are concerned, that means keeping food odours of all kinds to a minimum.

When walking through dense bush, make noise to avoid surprising a bear.

Cluff said things like dirty barbecues, garbage and dog food are attractants to bears, who are guided primarily by their keen sense of smell.

Bears likely do not wake up with a huge appetite, Cluff said. After six months of no food, it takes their bodies time to adjust to eating.

"But there's no doubt they soon become hungry," he added.