Problem Bears

In the Northwest Territories, it is legal to shoot a bear in self-defence only when life or property is threatened. You must report the kill to the nearest Renewable Resource Officer as soon as possible. In most cases, the Officer will come to the site and take possession of the bear. If an Officer is not immediately available, you must skin the bear and preserve the hide by salting it and storing it in a cool, dry place or by freezing it. It is an offence to allow the hide to spoil. The hide, complete with claws, becomes the property of the government and must be turned in, along with the skull (or lower jaw) to a Renewable Resource Officer at the first opportunity. Proof of sex (baculum) should also be turned in, particularly for grizzly and polar bears. You may not keep any part of a bear killed in self-defence.