Black Bear roams in the PG area – photo 250 News

Mackenzie, B.C. – Wildfires and a weak berry crop have led to an increase in bear sightings in Mackenzie this summer.

RCMP Corporal Jayson Davidson says they're receiving reports of up to seven sightings daily which he says is an increase over previous years.

Unfortunately he says it forced police to shoot and kill one bear last Friday and another on Saturday.

In addition he says two bears were hit and killed by vehicles Wednesday morning on Highway 97 near Tudyah Lake.

Northern Bear Awareness president Dave Bakker says wildfires and the lack of a natural food crop means bears have a tendency to roam over larger areas before something he calls the displacement factor kicks in.

"Bears will start moving over larger ranges and what they'll normally do in order to find a food source is migrate to where a food supply is available."

He says in many situations that means bears will move to within city limits.