'Not something you normally see': Woman spots pair of bears on Manitoba road
A Manitoba woman saw something unexpected on her drive to work this week, seeing a pair of black bears on the road.
Around 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Debra Chwartacki was driving from Grand Beach on Highway 12 when she saw a car parked on the road. She looked over to see what was going on and saw two “enormous” bears in a ditch within five feet of her car.
Chwartacki noted the bears looked healthy and big, and were enjoying eating the grass.
“I parked my car and decided I was going to take some photos. It’s not something you normally see,” she said.
“I mean they’re out more and more now, but I was shocked to see them that close to the road.”
Black bears are being spotted in the Grand Beach area. (Source: Facebook/Debra Chwartacki)
Chwartacki said she’s never seen bears in the Grand Beach area before, as she's new to the area, but heard of other sightings, including in people’s yards.
A number of people have also taken to social media to report their bear encounters.
“Other people have noted that they’ve seen the same large bears around,” Chwartacki said.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Northern Development said there have been fewer than 100 reports of interactions between people and black bears so far this spring.
The statement noted that it’s too early to know how weather conditions will impact food availability and movement patterns, but many of the bear interactions have involved attractants in people’s yards.
The government reminds Manitobans to take the following steps to avoid attracting bears:
- From April to November, store your bird feeder in a place that can’t be accessed by wildlife;
- Do not approach or feed a bear;
- Restrain your dog when walking through your community or on trails;
- Store garbage in a secure building or a bear-resistant container;
- Secure compost piles or compost food items indoors;
- Remove all ripened or fallen fruit in the morning and before dusk;
- Allow barbecue grills to burn for a few minutes after cooking; and
- Feed pets indoors.
More information about wildlife-human interactions can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.