Experts surprised at lack of bear attacks
Posted Mar 18, 2010 01:20:54 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
With all the talk about new risks from coyotes, some animal experts in Nova Scotia consider it luck that there haven’t been any bear attacks.
“We’d like to keep this good record going,” says Tony Nette with the department of natural resources. “So awareness and taking appropriate common-sense approach when you’re in bear country.”
Nette says 50 per cent of the bear attacks out West are from the black bears, which we have here, and he admits he’s surprised we haven’t had attacks here.
“Pleasantly surprised,” he adds.
Nette says there are a number of things now increasing the risk. More bears, which are not hunted as much, meaning they lose their fear of humans, and expanding development into what used to be bear territory.
He says because of the mild weather, bears may come out of hibernation early and won’t have the grass to feed on. He says chances are good that they’ll just go back into their dens until later in the spring.
See also:
Department of Natural Resources tips for living with wildlife
