Several sightings of black bear around Bridge Lake and points between there and Lac des Roches have been reported this week. While you would think this news would incite some strong feelings among the neighbours, it is this week’s multiple sightings of ground squirrels, or gophers, on the south facing slope that is the hot topic around the lake. Speculation about the presence and whereabouts of the badgers, known to control the gopher population, seems to be more important than the whereabouts of hungry black bears. Among the many returning birds and animals, the popular hummingbirds returned today. It is time to bear proof yards, set vermin traps and hang hummingbird feeders – as there are absolutely no flowers blooming except for the odd domestic pansy in abandoned flower boxes.