Nova Scotia Officials Continue Efforts to Capture Habituated Black Bear 'Limpy' in Hammonds Plains
Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources is working to capture a black bear known as Limpy in the Hammonds Plains area for relocation to Shubenacadie Wildlife Park after initial trapping attempts in April proved unsuccessful. The bear, first noticed in 2010, has become habituated to humans and relies on unsecured garbage and compost bins for food.
Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources is continuing its efforts to capture a black bear known as Limpy in the Hammonds Plains area for relocation to Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. In April, department staff attempted to capture the bear using a live trap, but those initial spring efforts were unsuccessful. The bear remains within his usual home range, including around the White Hills Run neighbourhood. 
Department spokeswoman Lynette MacLeod stated that staff will continue to monitor reports and attempt to relocate the bear to Shubenacadie Wildlife Park for the safety of both the animal and residents. The department received a few reports this fall regarding sightings of the bear, including one instance where the animal accessed a compost bin.
Limpy was first noticed in the area in 2010 and has since relied on unsecured garbage bins and compost containers for food. This habituation to humans and access to reliable food sources increases the risk of unsafe interactions between people and wildlife, creating potential for dangerous situations if bears and humans become unpredictable in their reactions.
Department biologist Shavonne Meyer noted that reducing attractants must be a community-wide effort because bears will simply move to yards with accessible food if others are secured. Residents are urged to secure garbage, compost, and birdseed to prevent attracting bears.
The bear developed a limp, which earned him his name, around the same year someone reported a bear being struck by a car in the area. Wildlife park staff can assess the injury once he is captured. Wild bears typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, while bears in captivity can live up to 40 years. 
Based on past behaviour, Limpy is expected to remain active through November and possibly into December before denning.