Man dies after encounter with bear near air strip in northern Saskatchewan

A 27-year-old man is dead after an encounter with a bear near a remote airstrip in northern Saskatchewan.

The Ministry of Community Safety says the man died Friday about 85 kilometres northeast of Points North Landing, an airstrip situated 700 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon near the border with the Northwest Territories.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” the ministry said in a statement to CTV News.

The ministry says the bear was euthanized by a civilian on scene before first responders arrived. The bear’s body was transported to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, where a necropsy will be completed.

The Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed the Wollaston Lake detachment received a report of a sudden death around 6:30 p.m. on May 8 pertaining to the incident, but said the matter was not under investigation.

The ministry says the Conservation Officer Service and the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team are investigating.

It says the investigation is in its early stages, so no further information is available at this time.

People are urged to keep their distance if they encounter a bear but if they do run into one, to make a wide detour, speak in low tones and not make eye contact.

Most animals will move on without any intervention, according to the ministry.

With files from The Canadian Press

RELATED

• Black bear and cubs shot dead near Lorenzo, Sask.: SaskTip
• Woman and son unhurt in bear attack at Prince Albert National Park