In the initial three weeks of October, Yukon conservation officers euthanized seven bears throughout the territory, with nearly all of these bears exhibiting food-conditioned behaviors after rummaging through garbage.

According to the environment department’s data, four incidents occurred in the Whitehorse area, including locations in the Crestview neighborhood, close to the Carcross cutoff, and around the Pilot Mountain subdivision. Additionally, there was one incident each in Carmacks and Watson Lake.

The solitary bear that did not exhibit food-conditioned behavior “displayed food-seeking behavior that resulted in property damage” in the North Alaska Highway vicinity near Haines Junction, stated department spokesperson Linea Volkering in an email.

TJ Grantham, deputy chief of field operations with Yukon Conservation Officer Services, noted that bears gaining access to high-calorie food sources such as garbage or compost become “very driven to continue seeking it out.”

He added that this year’s situation is exacerbated by a notably poor berry harvest across much of southwest Yukon, compelling bears to seek alternative food sources as they prepare for winter.

“Of course, the decision to kill any animals is always a last resort,” Grantham remarked. “The primary approach should always be to reduce and manage attractants.”

According to the department, bears that become accustomed to human food sources may lose their fear of people, homes, and vehicles, which can lead to aggressive behaviors in an attempt to obtain more food. This situation can create safety risks for the public.

Grantham mentioned that conservation officers continue to receive reports of bear activity during this period, emphasizing the necessity for Yukoners to remain “bear-aware.” This includes ensuring that outdoor garbage containers, compost stacks, and chicken coops are securely locked. He also urged anyone witnessing a bear displaying troubling behavior to report it promptly.

Grantham explained that the quicker conservation officers can react to a bear sighting, the greater the likelihood they can deploy non-lethal deterrents and hazing techniques to prevent the bear from becoming food-habituated, thereby averting any escalation of the issue.