Lloydminster RCMP are warning residents in the area of a black bear within the city limits.

Shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday night, the bear, spotted in a field East of RR 11, North of 67 St, was seen approaching several homes.

Lloydminster RCMP say Alberta Fish and Wildlife were called, and the public is advised to not approach the bear, keep small children inside, only allow pets out supervised. Keep food and garbage inside or put it away as best as possible.

As well keep fences and doors closed or locked if able and if you see the bear contact RCMP so they can continue to track its movements.

In preparation for the long weekend, the province issued an advisory about being bear aware.  In a news release they say bears are out of their dens looking for food now that warmer weather has arrived.  While bears are most often seen in the forests of northern Saskatchewan, there are black bears in most parts of the province including the aspen parkland, Touchwood Hills, the Qu’Appelle Valley and the South Saskatchewan River Valley.

Bears are driven by their search for food and residents are advised to keep yards and campsites free of things that attract bears like pet food, trash, bird feeders and dirty barbecues. It is also against the law to feed bears as well as wolves, cougars and coyotes.

The Ministry of Environment has some tips to keep in mind:

• Storing garbage in a secure building or buy a bear-resistant container. Only put the bin out on the morning of collection. Wash all recycling items and regularly clean garbage or recycling bins.
• Ensuring pet food is stored where it is not accessible to wildlife. Only use bird feeders in the winter while bears hibernate.
• Not adding fish, meat, fat, oils, unrinsed eggshells or any cooked food to backyard compost.
• Properly cleaning and storing barbecue grills after each use.
• Not cooking, eating or storing food in your tent or tent trailer. Store food in air-tight containers in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Placing all garbage in the containers provided. Do not burn or bury scraps.
• Cleaning fish only at designated fish-cleaning stations.
• Keeping your pet on a leash while hiking.