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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Two black bears were destroyed in Fort Simpson during the weekend as the number of bear sightings in the village is on the rise.

Between Aug. 8 and 15, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources received more than 20 reports of bears in the village. The reports came through the wildlife line as well as from the RCMP and residents talking to the department's staff, said Doug Villeneuve, the manager of wildlife and environment with the department in Fort Simpson.

Normally the department receives an average of two calls a week about bears. Villeneuve said the sudden increase in bear activity is likely linked to berry crops that are now ripe including soapberries.

Many of the reported sightings were from the area around the Papal site as well as the Fort Simpson Territorial Campground.

"Riverways are a natural corridor for them and eventually they pass through Fort Simpson," said Villeneuve.

The majority of the bear reports were linked to two bears, a mature male and a young juvenile, he said. Both of the bears were destroyed on the Seven Spruce Golf Course on Aug. 14.

The department tries to deter bears using noisemakers, quite a few of which were used on the weekend, but it doesn't always work. Sometimes the bears are habituated to people or don't want to abandon a food source, Villeneuve said.

"There were some bears that weren't leaving at all," he said.

Since the beginning of the season, the department has destroyed five bears around the village. One bear was relocated in the spring.

Villeneuve cautions residents that there are still bears in the area. Two female bears with cubs have been seen both on the island and up the hill. If the mothers feel the cubs are threatened, they will try to defend them, said Villeneuve, who recommends giving mothers and cubs lots of room.

Villeneuve also knows of at least one bear that has been getting into household garbage. If possible, people should put their garbage out the day of pick-up instead of letting it sit outside for longer periods where it can act as an enticement, he said.

Villeneuve is also reminding people to travel in groups if they're walking on the highway and to keep their pets on leashes. If people use iPods while walking or cycling they should leave one earphone off so they can remain aware of their surroundings.

The department has a moveable wildlife advisory sign that it places in areas where a bear has recently been sighted. As of Aug. 15, it was at the golf course. If people see that sign they should be extra vigilant, said Villeneuve.

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