Those who enjoy the trails and recreational areas of Riverdale have been advised to exercise caution.

The warning comes following reports of a black bear sow and her cubs feeding on and around the trail system.

Conservation officers are monitoring the area and have posted signs around the trail network to inform trail users about the situation.

Environment Yukon began getting reports of a black bear and three cubs being spotted in the Chadburn Lake area late last week.

“They were just feeding,” conservation officer Adam Henderson said today of the bears.

He pointed out this is the time of year when bears are often spotted out and about, feeding to replenish after a winter of hibernation.

It was after an incident between a dog, its owner and the bear was reported Thursday that conservation officers began putting signs up and more closely monitoring the area.

As Henderson explained, the dog was off-leash with its owner on the trail along Heartbreak Hill in the Chadburn Lake area.

When the dog went ahead of the owner into the woods, the sow came charging out, stopping just 10 to 15 metres from the dog owner.

That person – who had bear spray but didn’t have to use it – was able to take charge and walk away from the incident, then report it to Environment Yukon.

While only two cubs were spotted, up a tree, Henderson said it’s believed the bear and cubs are the same that have been seen in the area since last week, and that a third cub just wasn’t immediately visible.

Signs advising of the bear and cubs along with the importance of carrying bear spray and having pets leashed have been posted along the Riverdale trail system.

However, Henderson told the Star, it’s a good reminder for all in Whitehorse at a time of year when the animals are looking to replenish fat stores by feeding.

“We have to share the space with them,” Henderson said.

Everyone is advised to carry bear spray, keep pets on-leash, walk in groups and make noise when they’re trekking into the wilderness or along trails.

Residents are also encouraged to manage potential attractants in their yards through fencing, keeping things like dog food inside, ensuring garbage lids are closed and so on.

Residents are also encouraged to report any incidents involving bears or sightings to Environment Yukon’s TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525 or through the online TIPP form at http://www.env.gov.yk.ca/ environment-you/forms/tipp-submission.php