Bear sightings increase with habitat change

People are reporting more bear sightings in New Brunswick because subdivisions are being constructed in wildlife habitats and the animals are preparing for hibernation, a provincial official said Monday.

Wildlife officers recently killed a bear in the Golden Grove area that was getting into people's garbage.

Brent Roy, spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said another bear has been seen in the same area. He said officials are also trying to trap an animal in the Shanklin area, and that another one was recently spotted at the exit to Quispamsis.

'They're looking for ... rotting meat, and generally what's found in our garbage cans, grease drippings from the barbecue and also pet food.' -Brent Roy

Roy said the increase in sightings isn't surprising since new subdivisions are in bear habitats. He said the bears are tempted by garbage cans and compost bins.

"They're looking for ... rotting meat, and generally what's found in our garbage cans, grease drippings from the barbecue and also pet food," said Roy.

People are seeing more bears now because they're trying to fatten themselves for hibernation, said Roy, adding that there are about 16,000 black bears in the province.

Black bears are generally shy animals and shouldn't pose a threat to people, he said, but Roy still recommended people avoid contact with the animals.

Brenda MacCallum, a public education officer for the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission, said that if people can't put their garbage and compost bins away in a garage or shed, there are ways to minimize smell to avoid attracting bears.

She suggested mixing yard waste into the compost bin, wrapping some foods in newspaper, or freezing waste such as lobster shells.

"If you can put it inside one of the compostable bags, freeze it until compost day and then put it into your cart, there'll be no smell at all," she said.