Listen to this articleEstimated 5 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.It may feel like Canadians are crossing paths with bears more often than before.In recent months, several encounters have been reported in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan — and some of them have turned deadly, though experts say fatal attacks remain extremely rare.Lana Ciarniello, an independent conservation scientist and expert on human-bear conflict, said multiple factors — including wider media coverage — are contributing to the perception that bear encounters…