There has recently been an increase in bear sightings in the Canmore corridor. Last week, officers had to relocate five bears that have frequently been sighted in residential areas. Three of them were a sow black bear and her two cubs. Last Wednesday, the sow and one of her cubs were captured in a bear trap. Unfortunately, the second cub didn’t go into the trap with them. Officers wanted to make sure the three bears are not separated, so they had to immobilize the second bear... cub (see comments for photo of the second cub). The three bears were relocated together in a more suitable natural area. In the video below, you can watch the three bears walk out into their new surroundings, a safe location over 100km away from Canmore.
Relocating bears is one option officers explore, but is often not a perfect solution. Bears that are severely food-conditioned may return, or be attracted to another human-populated area. The best strategy is always prevention.
As the days get shorter and the overnight temperatures drop, bears continue to put more and more focus on calorie intake to prepare for the upcoming hibernation period. It is of utmost importance that residents properly secure any possible attractants. Bears coming into residential areas to feed on unnatural food sources is a public safety risk because they are easily habituated and may defend the food source.
Residents living in bear country can help keep both bears and people safe by following these bear smart strategies:
• Store garbage in bear-resistant and odour-proof containers or buildings.
• Clean up or remove any possible attractants as soon as possible to avoid habituation of wildlife.
• Home and business owners are encouraged to keep doors and windows secure from wildlife entering them. Keep garage doors, front doors and any other door that can be accessed by wildlife closed.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Clean barbecues after each use and keep barbecues in a bear-resistant structure if possible.
We also want to remind residents of Canmore that the municipality has a bylaw requiring residents to properly secure their garbage in animal-proof containers or enclosures.
If a resident encounters a bear or other wildlife that may be a public safety concern, they are advised to report the incident to the 24-hour Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.