Archived 250News photo of black bear crossing North Nechako Road

Prince George, B.C. – It’s only the beginning of March, but there have already been four confirmed bear sightings in Prince George.

“Up around Baker, Davis, Tyner, and Ospika. Very close to a heavily forested area,” says Dave Bakker, president of the Northern Bear Awareness Society. “There was three sightings March 1st and 2nd and another last night.”

He says it’s very concerning considering bear sightings don’t normally begin until April.

“I think mother nature has thrown us a curveball this year. I think the mild weather along with the snow melting and maybe combined with a poor summer last year, is giving bears the idea that hey, maybe it’s time to starting eating again.”

With all the snow still on the ground, Baker says it will inevitably lead bears to unnatural food sources.

“The only food sources that are really available right now are garbage and bird feeders. We’ve always recommended people take them down the beginning of April but I think we may have to re-think that for this year and start considering doing it now.”

But he also concedes all the sightings could be due to just one bear.

“The number of bear sightings never coincides with the number of bears. I have a strange suspicion it’s the same one that’s found a food source near to a den site.”

And if you happen to run into one of these big furry creatures, he advises you safely exit the situation.

“If you see a bear, remove yourself from the situation in a calm manner. Don’t ever try to confront, you’re dealing with a wild animal and some are more aggressive (than others).”