People who use the Baille Ard Trails in Sydney, N.S., are keeping an eye out after two reported sightings of a black bear in the wooded area in recent days. “It’s something we don’t normally see around here in the Sydney area,” said Dennis Shea, a volunteer who helps with upkeep of the trails off Cottage Road and Terrace Street in the city’s south end. The trails run next to a busy neighbourhood. Over the years, they have become a popular place with walkers and hikers of all ages. “We have to be concerned, there’s no doubt about it,” Shea said. “We have young people, we have mothers with their children, we have old people here.” “We’re scratching our heads about how it would have gotten here, because there is a four-lane highway,” added David Gabriel, president of the Baille Ard Recreation Association. The volunteer group that takes care of the trails is letting the public know about the bear sightings so that people can make their own decisions. “Until we can be absolutely sure that the bear has moved on, then we want to inform them about the bear so that they can do that,” Gabriel said. “In the province, we have had no bear attacks or injuries documented,” said Maureen Cameron-MacMillan, a regional biologist with Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “It is very unlikely.” Cameron-MacMillan said DNR is monitoring the situation and staff have been sent to the area to look for things like tracks and droppings. While they haven’t found any yet, she figures the animal is likely looking for food ahead of hibernation. “Like ripe fruit on trees, food waste,” she said. “All these sorts of things can attract a bear into an area this time of year.” On Tuesday, people could be seen walking their dogs in the trails anyway. Volunteers have been there during daylight hours as well, to repair damage from the major rainstorm earlier this month that saw roughly 200 millimeters of rain fall in the Sydney area during the Labour Day weekend. They are suggesting that people stay out of the trails in the evening - when the bear sightings took place - and are keeping an eye on garbage cans and other potential sources of leftover food. “We have people that feed the ducks, feed the squirrels and what not and leave all kinds of food around for the bear to have a reason to hang around,” Shea said. “So, I would discourage that type of thing.” DNR said that anyone who might spot the bear - or any signs of it - is asked to contact them directly at 1-800-565-2224. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
