Bear country is part of life in northern Manitoba, and with summer activities picking up, the province is reminding people that staying safe starts before an encounter ever happens.

 

Janine Wilmot, Human-Wildlife Coexistence Biologist with the Manitoba Government, says people should think ahead before camping, hiking, fishing, or spending time at the cabin.

 

She says people can reduce the chance of a surprise encounter by making noise, securing anything that could attract bears, carrying deterrents, and knowing how to respond if one appears.

 

 

Wilmot says food, garbage, and scented items should never be kept inside a tent, and should instead be stored somewhere bears cannot access.

 

To hear more from Janine Wilmot on staying safe in bear country, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.