After two bear attacks in less than one month, Manitobans are wondering if the bear population is more aggressive this year and if they should be worried. 

On July 21, an eight-year-old girl was injured by a black bear while out back-country camping with her family. Earlier in July, a black bear snuck up behind a hiker and bite into his leg. 

Despite the two attacks happening in a similar area within a short time frame, Janine Stewart with Manitoba Sustainable Development says this isn't a sign of increased aggression. 

"We can't really characterize the entire population by the actions of two individual bears," said Stewart, a human/wildlife conflict biologist. "It just seems like a case of wrong place, wrong time, wrong bear."

Despite even the best safety precautions, which Stewart admits the family was using, black bear encounters are still possible anywhere in Manitoba. How the encounters go depend on the first moment you see the bear.

"The number one thing that we recommend people do when they first encounter a bear is to stop, remain calm, and access the situation," Stewart explained. "How you respond is going to be based on the bear's actions."

Stewart says you should look at the bear for signs of defensive or predatory behaviour. Typically, a bear who is defensive is stressed by your presence, and will often huff, salivate, pace, and smack the ground in front of it. It's important to reassure the bear you are not a threat, by calmly telling the bear that you are a human and that you are not a threat. Continue to give the bear space.

A predatory bear will be intently staring at you and be approaching you deliberately. Stewart says that "if you encounter this type of bear, it is a very dangerous bear."

If you see this, you have to reassure the bear that you are a threat, which includes being loud, using deterrents, and making a lot of noise.

The best case scenario is that the bear doesn't see you. If the bear hasn't noticed you, slowly back away from the bear while keeping an eye on it to watch for any behavioural changes.

Being bear smart involves taking a number of precautions both before and during your time in the wilderness. Stewart suggests:

  • alerting people your departure, route, and arrival
  • going in a group and make lots of noise
  • bringing deterrents such as bear spray and noisemakers
  • keeping alert about surroundings, don't listen to earbuds
  • making extra loud noise on windy days or beside the water
  • keeping all attractants where wildlife can't access them (food, garbage)

Despite the bear attacks, Stewart doesn't think it should stop anyone from doing some back-country camping.

"I really hope it doesn't deter people from enjoying the great outdoors of Manitoba."