After a recent mauling incident south of Cochrane that left a hunter injured and the attacking grizzly dead, three grizzly bear cubs were discovered in good health near the site. The cubs, believed to have a nearby den, were observed to be of good size and weight, according to a provincial spokesperson.
Initially, authorities mentioned that one bear, whose age was unknown, was seen fleeing the scene post the attack. The sow responsible for the attack was later identified and shot by the victim’s hunting partner. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services, in consultation with biologists and wildlife specialists, decided not to intervene with the cubs and allow them to hibernate naturally.
The age of the cubs and whether the attacking sow was their mother remains unconfirmed. The province stated that with the approaching winter, the cubs are likely to den soon and will have sufficient food sources upon emergence in spring.
John Clarke, a retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer, expressed concerns about the cubs’ survival without knowledge of their age. He emphasized the challenges the cubs might face in finding food, water, and avoiding predators, noting that grizzly bear cubs typically stay with their mother for up to three years.
The grizzly bear response guide outlines options for orphaned cubs, including retention at a zoo, no action, or euthanasia. Relocation in the wild is not viable for bears under a year old under provincial regulations.
Authorities have warned that orphaned grizzly bears cannot be rehabilitated and released back into the wild under the Wildlife Act. Concerns have been raised about the presence of the bears in the area following the mauling incident, but Clarke emphasized the lack of scientific evidence linking such incidents to future behavior.
The exact location of the attack, which occurred south of Cochrane, has not been disclosed by the province. Warning signs for “dangerous grizzly bear” were erected around 40 kilometers west of Calgary after the attack. The injured hunter was airlifted from the Springbank area and is reported to be in stable condition as of the latest updates from EMS.