CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN — A 27-year-old independent contractor was killed in a black bear attack over the weekend at a remote uranium exploration site in central Saskatchewan. The attack occurred about 53 miles northeast of Points North Landing at a facility belonging to Vancouver-based UraniumX Discovery Corp.

The Wildlife Human Attack Response Team is investigating the incident, Saskatchewan's Ministry of Community Safety said in a statement. The black bear involved was euthanized by a civilian on scene before officers arrived, and the animal was transported to a regional veterinary college for a necropsy.

All field operations at UraniumX's Zoo Bay property have been paused since the incident as a precaution, according to a company statement. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time," the ministry said.

UraniumX Chief Executive Officer Esen Boldkhuu said in a company statement: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The safety and well-being of our employees, contractors, and all personnel working on our projects is, and will always remain, our highest priority."

On the same day as the attack, the government of Saskatchewan issued a reminder to residents to be wary of hungry bears seeking easy food near homes and campsites. "Black bears are intelligent and ruled by their stomachs. Limiting attractants is the most effective way to reduce these interactions," the ministry said.

Fatal bear attacks in Saskatchewan are rare, Douglas Clark, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability, told CBC. "The last one was six years ago, and you have to go quite a few years earlier before you find the next ones in the record," Clark said.