Depending upon the nature and severity of the problem he may use many different techniques to deal with this age-old problem - what to do when humans and bears come into contact with one another. Ron's current duties are diverse and he has built up a repertoire of skills and talents, which aid him on the job everyday. Today we talk to him about one of the most dangerous aspects of the Renewable Resource Officer's work; handling problem bears as part of the ENR Bear Safety Programs.

Most people in the Northwest Territories live in close proximity to the boreal forest, which black bears (ursus americanus) inhabit. Contact between bear and man is inevitable. Ron's job is to reduce the risk of harm to either human or bear during encounters by taking specific action in response to the threat or by educating people about how to avoid an encounter in the first place.

When a black bear occurrence is brought to his attention, Ron takes a detailed report from the person reporting the situation. This information includes; the location of the bear conflict, a description of bear's disposition and behavior and reason for conflict at that specific time. Ron also asks about injury or threat of injury to people and about any property damage that has occurred.

Ron then heads off in his wildlife truck to the area where the bear has been seen. He observes the bear's actions and then decides what kind of deterrent to use. He can use shouting or yelling to scare the bear off, fire warning shots with a gun, use rubber bullets or use an air-horn. All of this is used to try and frighten the bear away.

The bear is usually off and running if one of these deterrents is used but sometimes that same bear comes back into the area. If the bear returns, Ron sets and baits a live bear trap and locates it in a strategic area. If caught, the animal is relocated to another area where there is no human activity. This gives the bear a chance for survival in the wilderness. If this certain bear has an aggressive attitude and is not fearful of humans, it can be destroyed because protection of human life is a priority.

"I have the confidence in knowing what action I should take, because of my training", says Ron. "I have had occurrences where black bears snarl and grunt when walking towards me but I have never been attacked by one. There are certain bears that are destroyed with no questions asked because they are "garbage dump bears". They get used to seeing humans at the local dump every day. There is no fear of humans in these bears because of the food source that is given to them." Although Ron has never been attacked he uses extreme caution when approaching bears. People should never approach wild animals like this. Ron can because he has specialized training in understanding behavior of wild bears.

Most bears in the Hay River district are usually deterred or transported out of town and released in the wild but with the Hay River garbage dump located near the community, Ron can have days where he deals with several bear occurrences. "I do have my days", says Ron but overall he enjoys his work and takes satisfaction in knowing that his training and experience as an Officer will ensure that he stays safe while dealing with all bear encounters. And that animals like the black bears are protected from indiscriminate killing.

Talk to Ron D. Antoine or the staff at the Hay River office at 875-5550 or if you would like further information about his work in Renewable Resources Management.