Young bear trapped in Port Hawkesbury successfully released
Wildlife officials have removed a second black bear that was hanging around town.
Department of Natural Resources spokesman Bruce Nunn said the animal was live-trapped and successfully released. Another black bear that was seen roaming through a residential neighbourhood was euthanized earlier this month.
Nunn said bear sightings are common in Cape Breton this time of year. Natural Resources officials have received about six calls regarding black bears in Victoria County and are monitoring several bear sightings in Inverness County.
Sarah Spencer, a Natural Resources biologist who works in Inverness and Victoria counties, said many reports involve young bears that are setting out on their own for the first time.
“Bears mate in early summer, and prior to mating season the mother bear encourages her young, who are about a year and a half, to leave the family unit,” she said. “These young bears head out on their own in search of their own territory and sometimes come close to residential areas in search of food. It is often these young bears that we receive reports about this time of year.”
Spencer said if you encounter a bear, it is important stay at a distance, make noise and give the bear a clear path to exit. She said the best way to avoid encounters is to make sure there is no food to attract them into residential areas.
“So, it is really important to make sure garbage is cleaned up and compost bins are stored in secure sheds or garages if possible. Bird feeders should be removed from April to October as they are an attractant as well.”
For information on bear encounters and tips to avoid attracting bears, visit https:// novascotia.ca/natr/wildlife/ nuisance/WhenBearsBaN.pdf.