The Manitoba government has reopened the Mantario Trail from the Big Whiteshell Trail Head to Mantario Lake.

The section of trail was closed on July 2 following an incident that involved a hiker being injured by a black bear. To date, attempts to capture the bear have not been successful and this bear may still be in the area.

Manitoba Sustainable Development reminds campers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of the presence of wildlife and to be ‘Bear Smart’.

Remember the following preventive measures to avoid conflicts with bears:

  • never approach or feed a bear (or any other wild animal);
  • keep dogs on a leash to reduce the potential of it being attacked by a bear or leading a bear back to its owners;
  • store attractants, such as food and garbage, so that they are not accessible to bears, in a secure building or bear-resistant container;
  • when traveling in wilderness areas be alert, make noise, travel in groups, do not use earphones to listen to music, and keep children close by;
  • take down bird feeders between April and November;
  • store garbage in a secure building or bear-resistant container;
  • secure compost piles or compost food items indoors;
  • in the summer, remove all ripened or fallen fruit daily in the morning and before dusk and don’t allow it to rot on the ground;
  • allow barbecue grills to burn for a couple of minutes after cooking to burn off grease and to eliminate odors, and clean grills and grease cup after each use;
  • clean up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck, and don’t allow food odors to linger;
  • feed pets indoors and never leave food dishes outdoors; and
  • fully enclose backyard beehives and chicken coops and remember that electric fencing is an effective bear deterrent.

These measures also apply to other wildlife that can be a problem including coyotes, deer, foxes, raccoons and skunks.

Manitoba regulations prohibit the roadside feeding of bears and other wildlife. Feeding wildlife along roads and highways teaches them to associate people and cars with easy meals. By not feeding wildlife along roadways, people can reduce the possibility of:

  • collisions with wildlife or other vehicles;
  • having to euthanize an animal because it’s been injured or becomes a threat to people;
  • damage or destruction to personal property; and
  • attacks on people.

Bears are wild animals and must be respected. When in bear country, people should assume bears are in the vicinity even if no recent conflicts or encounters have been reported. Remember to carry bear deterrent spray and know how to use it.

More information on how to be Bear Smart is available at www.manitoba.ca/blackbear.