Saskatchewan bear attacks prompt safety response in La Ronge region

Saskatchewan officials reported 82 bear-related calls to conservation officers in the La Ronge area as of July 9, down from 133 a year earlier. The response included deploying 32 traps, capturing 11 bears, relocating eight and euthanizing nine. Two fatal attacks near McTavish Lake, about 90 km north of La Ronge, claimed the lives of Jay and Deb MacDonald; the suspected bear was later located, euthanized and sent for necropsy. A separate incident two months earlier saw a 27‑year‑old contractor killed by a black bear near Points North Landing.

Provincial authorities noted that overall bear activity remains within normal ranges, but warned that delayed spring emergence and recent wildfire damage may push bears closer to communities searching for food. They highlighted the risk of habituated bears attracted to unsecured garbage, compost, bird feeders, pet food and uncleaned barbecues, urging residents to limit such attractants to reduce future conflicts.