Jennifer Obleman
Northern News Services
Published Friday, August 10, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - A black bear that was hanging around the Giant Mine site in recent weeks has been relocated by Environment and Natural Resources officers.

The bear, an adult male over 200 pounds, was captured Aug. 1 and relocated to an area down Highway 3.

"He was a healthy bear, strictly eating berries," said Renewable Resource Officer Janice Ziemann.

"The only reason we put the bear trap out was because there was a safety concern at the mine."

It's not uncommon to see bears passing through the site, but they don't usually hang around so long, Mitchell said.

Foxes and coyotes have also been spotted in the area.

"It's probably a good sign we're seeing animals returning to the site," Mitchell said.

Other recent bear sightings have occurred at Vee Lake, Prelude Lake, and the Con Mine site.

Bear attacks are not common, said Ziemann.

People who encounter a bear are advised not to surprise it, make eye contact or run.

Instead, talk in a low, calm voice if it sees you and back slowly away.