In the Springbank region, located west of Calgary, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services is actively investigating an incident where a hunter was mauled by a grizzly bear on Thursday. The attacking bear was shot and killed by the hunter’s companion, while another bear escaped the scene. The status and age of the bear that fled are currently unknown, but it is believed to have been part of a mother-cub duo, as indicated by Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen.
John Clarke, a retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer, highlighted the importance of considering the circumstances surrounding human-grizzly conflicts. He mentioned that the fate of the fleeing bear depends on various factors, such as its age and ability to survive without its mother. Clarke emphasized the need to avoid penalizing the cub for merely being with its mother.
As per the province’s grizzly bear response guide, options for orphaned cubs include retention in a zoo, no intervention, or euthanasia. Notably, relocation of bears under a year old is not feasible. Unlike black bears, orphaned grizzly bears cannot be rehabilitated and released back into the wild under Alberta’s Wildlife Act.
Recent incidents have underscored the increasing encounters between grizzly bears and human habitats, prompting concerns about safety and wildlife management. Minister Loewen expressed the province’s acknowledgment of grizzlies venturing closer to populated areas and areas outside their expected territories. He emphasized the need for enhanced vigilance due to the rising number of grizzly bear attacks on livestock.
The province’s grizzly bear population has been on the rise, with estimates showing an increase from around 800 to over 1,150 bears currently. The expanding grizzly bear population has led to their presence in more urbanized regions, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to mitigate human-bear conflicts.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife has responded to three grizzly bear incidents this year, including the recent mauling near Calgary and encounters in other regions. These events have heightened awareness of the need for coexistence strategies and proactive measures to ensure the safety of both humans and bears in shared environments.