On Friday, October 6th, the Cold Lake RCMP received three calls regarding a black bear in the city limits, at a few different locations in the south-east side of Cold Lake. The bear was spotted on 51st Avenue & 47th Avenue.

“We’ve been in contact with Fish & Wildlife,” Constable Leslie Rice, with the Cold Lake Detachment explains, “they are aware of the situation.”

Cst. Rice advises not to leave garbage or items out that may attract bears; dog food or cat food. “Some people may not think about it, but if you let your dog out in your backyard, and you don’t pick it up right away, that can attract bears. It’s one animal attracted to another.”

“If you open your and find a black bear, call 911 immediately. If it’s an immediate threat, we’ll take care of it, but if it’s not an immediate threat, we’ll call Fish & Wildlife.” Cst. Rice does not advise chasing off or approaching bears.