There were three bear sightings in Whitehorse on Monday, according to the Yukon government’s conservation services branch.

“This year was very good until just the last month or so, and it’s certainly ramped up,” Ken Knutson, a veteran conservation officer, told the Star Tuesday.

Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Watson Lake have been hotspots for bear sightings in the last month, Knutson said.

On Monday, conservation services received three Whitehorse calls simultaneously.

Two sows were seen on the periphery of Copper Ridge and Porter Creek. Knutson said they belonged to two different family groups. 

The sow in Porter Creek was seen with three cubs.

Conservation officers believe that one of those sows was the same bear seen at the downtown Black Street steps last week.

“Luckily, with the two, we didn’t have to take any action, they were sightings on trails,” Knutson said.

“It’s a good reminder if you live along greenbelts in particular, you have a greater responsibility .… Those young bears learn very early on about potential food sources.”

The third call arrived at around 8:30 a.m. Monday, reporting a black bear crossing into Porter Creek through Evergreen Crescent.

Conservation officers tracked the bear, which crossed into the Hidden Lakes area and “popped out” near Jack Hulland Elementary School, Knutson said.

While tracking the bear, Knutson came across a property near Fir Street with garbage bags split open.

They found the bear and pushed it back into the Hidden Lakes forest area, where they lost track of the animal.

They received several calls of people sighting the bear over the next several hours.

Conservation officers think the bear eventually found its way back onto the greenbelt via Bamboo Crescent.

“We haven’t had a call since, so I’m assuming it hasn’t been seen,” Knutson said.

Conservation services issued a warning to Porter Creek residents Monday morning and afternoon.

“Generally when that happens, when it’s in a populated area, we put out a warning to people who are out walking their animals and their pets and kids playing in the street to be more aware of bears in the area and take precautions,” Knutson said. 

“People get complacent and forget they’re in bear country.”

Knutson noted that it’s been challenging to respond to multiple calls in one day since many conservation officers are currently working as COVID-19 enforcement officers, depleting staff numbers.

Conservation Services wants to remind Yukoners to ensure their garbage is secured.

People should take appropriate precautions while outside, including making noise, travelling in groups, keeping pets on leashes and carrying bear spray.