New barrier at dump pushes bears into town, territorial biologist says
Residents of Inuvik are being warned to remain vigilant after a spike in grizzly-bear sightings this season tied to changes at the local landfill. The territorial government has dispatched extra officers to the area after authorities received a growing number of calls about bears moving into town.
Territorial biologist Faye d’Eon Eggertson told CBC’s Northwind program the installation of an electric fence around the landfill has cut off a food source many bears had used, and that is one likely reason animals are now searching for food in residential areas.
“Bears have a really good memory for where they’ve found food in the past,” D’Eon Eggertson said. “They come back to the same places to try to find food … but they can’t get into the landfill this year.”
Officials report that bears are being seen near the edge of town, along trails and sometimes within neighbourhoods — often at night — as they look for alternate food sources.
Numbers and responses
So far this season, 14 bears have been euthanized in the Inuvik area, according to the territorial biologist. The government has increased patrols and is fielding more calls through its wildlife emergency bear line.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Landfill change | New electric fence blocking access |
| Bears euthanized | 14 this season |
| Government action | Extra officers dispatched; increased wildlife line calls |
What residents should know and do
Biologists and local authorities stress that preventing attractants is key to reducing encounters. Practical steps for residents include:
- Secure garbage and avoid leaving food outdoors overnight.
- Keep a close watch on pets and avoid walking alone on trails at night.
- Report bear sightings to the territorial government’s wildlife emergency bear line so crews can respond.
Authorities say bears returning to familiar food sources is normal behaviour, and the sudden change in landfill access has likely shifted animal movements. The situation highlights the challenge of balancing effective waste management with wildlife conservation and community safety in northern communities.
Officials continue to monitor the situation in and around Inuvik and encourage residents to follow posted guidance and report any aggressive or persistent wildlife activity.
