A 25-year-old man died following a bear attack near Points North Landing in northern Saskatchewan on Friday, May 8. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Community Safety confirmed the incident, stating it occurred near a remote airstrip approximately 700 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon. This marks only the fourth known fatal bear attack in the province's history.
The victim was transported by helicopter to Points North Landing, but succumbed to his injuries. Conservation officers euthanized the bear at the scene. The animal's body has been taken to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon for a necropsy to gather further information about the attack. The RCMP, the Coroner's Service, and the Conservation Officer Service's Wildlife Human Attack Response Team are currently investigating the incident.
Saskatchewan residents are reminded to take precautions to avoid bear encounters, especially as bears emerge from hibernation in the spring. The Ministry of Environment urges people to be "bear aware" by securing garbage, storing pet food indoors, cleaning barbecues, and keeping food stored securely while camping. If encountering a bear, it is crucial to stay calm, avoid direct eye contact, and back away slowly. Carrying bear spray is also recommended in areas where bears are active.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of wildlife encounters in northern regions. The last fatal bear attack in Saskatchewan occurred in 2020 when Stephanie Blais was killed near her family's cabin north of Buffalo Narrows. Residents are encouraged to report any aggressive wildlife encounters to the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561.
