60-year-old Shamattawa First Nation man believed to have been killed by bear: RCMP

A 60-year-old who went missing in a northeastern Manitoba First Nation is believed to have been killed by a bear, RCMP say, a week after police responded to a bear attack that left another person in the area injured.

Shortly before 11 a.m. Monday, RCMP got a report about a missing 60-year-old man from Shamattawa First Nation.

They learned shortly after that community members searching the area for the man had found human remains in a wooded area near a path, close to Shamattawa's airport, RCMP said.

The remains are believed to be those of the 60-year-old.

Evidence in the area suggested "animal predation," RCMP said in a Tuesday news release.

While an autopsy needs to be done to confirm the cause of death, there is evidence that the animal was a bear,RCMP Cpl. Julie Courchaine told CBC in anemail.

"We are looking at all possibilities so once the autopsy is completed, we will hopefully have more answers," she said.

There has been an increase in bear activity in Shamattawa, andRCMP were called last week abouta bear attack that injured a person, Courchainesaid.

Community members are advised to remain vigilant and contact police or Manitoba Conservation if they see a bear, she said.

Conservation officers are aware of the man's deathand are heading to Shamattawa to offer their assistance, RCMP said.