Fort Simpson (Apr 28/06) - Spring is here and with it comes hungry bears looking for food.

Renewable resources officer Carl Lafferty is reminding residents to be cautious and start taking precautions.

Safety tips Never feed a bear Photograph bears from a distance Watch for tell-tale signs such as tracks, droppings or claw marks on trees Make noise while hiking Avoid walking alone and if you have a dog make sure it is on a leash For more tips, get a copy of Safety in Grizzly and Black Bear Country from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

"If the whole community pitches in to help us it will make everyone a lot safer," said Lafferty.

Spring is a higher risk time for bears. That's because they may not have eaten enough before hibernation, so they wake up hungry, said Lafferty. Spring is also mating season for the animals.

Local harvesters have already reported seeing bear tracks outside of town.

Because garbage attracts bears, Lafferty encourages residents to place their garbage out the night before it's collected, rather than let it sit and develop enticing smells. If people don't know the garbage schedule, they can check with the village office, he said.

If a bear finds garbage, it's like a reward and they will be back, Lafferty warned. In the past he has seen occasions were seven or eight garbage containers in a row have been knocked over and rifled through in Wild Rose Acres.

Smoking spring game birds in yards is also an activity that could draw bears, said Lafferty.

Lafferty is also concerned about people who go out walking and exercising on the roads and highways during the mornings and evenings when bears are active.

Don't walk alone, advised Lafferty. Stay in open areas so you have a clear line of sight. Dogs should be kept on a leash so they don't attack a bear and come running back to their owner with the bear following them, he said.

Fort Simpson's nuisance bear reporting line will be opened again by May 1.

People should phone if they think a bear is a risk rather than take matters into their own hands, said Lafferty. All calls and concerns are welcomed, he said.

If a problem bear is spotted before the reporting line is open, residents can phone the Renewable Resources office during regular business hours.

It's hard to say what kind of a year it will be for problem bears. Last year was a quiet year for complaints, but the previous two years were abnormally busy, Lafferty said.

The nuisance bear line can be reached at 695-7433.