Bear attack kills contractor at remote Saskatchewan uranium site

A 27-year-old contractor has been killed in a black bear attack at a remote uranium exploration site in northern Saskatchewan, leading to a shutdown of field operations and a safety review by authorities and the employer.

The incident occurred over the weekend at UraniumX Discovery Corp.’s Zoo Bay property, about 85 kilometres northeast of Points North Landing in central Saskatchewan, according to the province’s Ministry of Community Safety. The contractor was working at the exploration site when he encountered the bear and later died of his injuries.

Vancouver-based UraniumX confirmed the death in a statement on its website, describing the victim as an independent contractor. The company said all field operations at Zoo Bay have been paused as a precaution while the investigation proceeds and safety protocols are reviewed.

Company response and investigation

UraniumX CEO Esen Boldkhuu said the organisation is “deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” extending condolences to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues. The company stated that the safety and well-being of employees, contractors and all personnel “is, and will always remain, our highest priority.”

The Ministry of Community Safety has deployed its regional conservation service’s Wildlife Human Attack Response Team to investigate the circumstances of the attack. The review is expected to look at site conditions, potential bear attractants and the measures in place to manage wildlife risks at the remote camp.

Authorities said the black bear involved in the incident was euthanised by a civilian at the scene before officers arrived. The animal was then transported to a regional veterinary college for a necropsy to determine whether any health issues or other factors may have contributed to its behaviour.

Officials have not released the contractor’s name. CBC News, citing the victim’s brother, reported that he had moved to Canada from India three years ago to work in the resource sector.

Bear activity prompts provincial safety advisory

The incident at Zoo Bay comes as the Government of Saskatchewan is warning residents, workers and visitors about increased wildlife activity during spring, when black bears emerge from winter dens and may move closer to communities, recreational areas and work sites in search of food. The province issued an advisory on 8 May titled “Spring is Here, and so are the Bears!”

In the advisory, the government urged the public to remain “Bear Aware” and to take “simple precautions” to help prevent conflicts with wildlife as temperatures rise. “Black bears are found widely across Saskatchewan. While commonly associated with northern forested areas, they are also found in central and southern regions; including the aspen parkland, Touchwood Hills, Qu’Appelle Valley and the South Saskatchewan River Valley,” the advisory said.

The Ministry of Environment noted that during spring, bears spend much of their time foraging to replenish body fat lost over winter, which can increase the likelihood of encounters if easy food sources are available around homes, campsites or other areas of human activity. “Black bears are intelligent and ruled by their stomachs. Limiting attractants is the most effective way to reduce these interactions,” the province said.

Provincial guidance on preventing bear encounters

The advisory stated that “in Saskatchewan, it is illegal to feed bears and other large predators, such as wolves, cougars and coyotes.” According to the government, this measure “protects public safety and prevents wildlife from becoming habituated to human environments.”

To “help keep communities safe,” the government set out a series of practical measures focused on food and waste management. It recommended securing garbage “in a building or use bear-resistant containers, and place waste out only on collection day,” and to “keep bins clean and odour-free.” Residents and visitors were also advised to store pet food indoors and remove bird feeders outside of winter months.

The province further advised people to avoid placing “meat, fish, fats, oils or other strong-smelling food waste in backyard compost,” to clean barbecues thoroughly after use and store them in a secure area, and to keep food out of tents and instead store it “in sealed containers inside a vehicle when camping.” The advisory said people should dispose of all waste in designated containers and “never burn or bury food scraps,” use designated locations for cleaning fish and “properly discard remains,” and “keep pets leashed when walking or hiking in bear habitat.” It added: “Being proactive by reducing attractants helps keep bears wild and minimizes the likelihood of dangerous encounters.”

Bear attacks and workplace context – summary table (Canada and Saskatchewan)