A tragic incident involving a bear in northern Saskatchewan led to the death of a 27-year-old man, as confirmed by the Ministry of Community Safety. The investigation is still in its early stages, with limited information disclosed by the government. The Saskatchewan RCMP’s Wollaston Lake detachment received a report of a sudden death at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
According to Douglas Clark, an expert from the University of Saskatchewan specializing in human-bear conflict, fatal bear attacks in Saskatchewan are rare, but close encounters can pose risks. Clark emphasized the importance of bear spray in areas like the far north where bear activity is common, recounting his own encounters with black bears and a recent encounter with a predatory bear.
The location of the incident was identified near Points North, approximately 700 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon. However, the Points North Group of Companies clarified that the fatal incident did not occur at the airstrip but near Nordbye Lake, situated 78 kilometers from Points North Landing.
This recent fatality marks the fourth known bear-related death in Saskatchewan’s history. The previous incident in 2020 involved the death of Stephanie Blais near her family’s cabin, while the first known fatalities in the province occurred in 1983 near Nipawin Provincial Park. In 2005, Kenton Carnegie, a 22-year-old student, was killed near Points North in a rare fatal wolf attack.
Authorities urge individuals to maintain a safe distance if encountering a bear, avoid provoking the animal, and speak calmly while slowly moving away. Clark highlighted that demonstrating to the bear that one is not an easy target can often deter an attack.
The Conservation Officer Service and the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team are collaborating with the RCMP and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service in the investigation. The public is reminded to report bear encounters to 911 and suspicious activities to the poachers hotline at 1-800-667-7561.
As spring brings bears out from hibernation, cautionary measures are advised. Dante Tabacu, who operates Pilot’s Lodge in the region, noted that the bears, particularly black bears, are currently hungry due to limited food sources post-hibernation but are usually more curious than aggressive towards humans.
