Ste. Anne residents have been noticing an unusually high number of black bears in town since early spring and it appears they are not alone.

On Friday, Manitoba Conservation released a statement indicating that black bear sightings are up across the province. While there is no word on whether or not their population is any higher than normal, the animals do seem to be frequenting residential areas at an increasing rate.

In Ste. Anne specifically, resident reports suggest bears are raiding compost heaps, pulling down bird feeders, and hanging out in residential neighborhoods where they have never before been seen. In particular, they seem to be visiting homes along, Paradise Road, Millar Drive, and Roads 41, 42, and 43 East.

In light of the sudden spike in sightings, Conservation is advising homeowners to limit known food sources. Some suggestions include securing compost piles, cleaning bbq grills, feeding pets indoors, and avoid hanging birdseed from places accessible to bears. In fact, Conservation recommends taking down bird feeders until fall.

“Once a bear is attracted to an area, it can associate that area with food and may return multiple times, which can be dangerous for people, but also for the bear,” reads their statement. “If a bear is identified as a problem animal, the province may have to take steps to trap and relocate it or possibly use lethal force.”

(Photo credit: Larry Trush)