Officials responded to the report that a bull was killed on a feedlot in Mountain View County, southeast of Sundre
SUNDRE — A mother grizzly bear has been successfully captured and relocated to a remote area by the local fish and wildlife department after livestock were reportedly killed at an undisclosed grazing area in the area.
On Sunday, September 11, Sundre Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services received a report of the killing of livestock at a feedlot producer, said part of a statement issued by Justice and Solicitor General Media Communications.
The investigation “determined that a sow and three young grizzly bears were involved,” according to part of the statement given to police Albertan.
After further evaluating the situation, officials also determined that the bears would need to be relocated to ensure the safety of the public.
On Tuesday, September 13th, the entire grizzly bear family was captured.
“They were relocated together to a more suitable remote habitat the next day.”
A spokesman said Albertan in response to follow-up questions, that the feedlot is southeast of Sundre in Mountain View County and that the livestock involved was a single steer.
Producers who suffer lost or injured livestock as a result of wildlife attacks can be compensated for their loss through the Wildlife Predator Compensation Program.
“This is an important reminder that bears’ appetites will increase in late summer and early fall in order to gain enough calories to last through the winter,” the statement added.
“Many of the natural food sources that bears have relied on in the summer may no longer be available, so bears will travel more to find another food source.”
It is therefore vital that people work together to ensure that potential attractants are properly sealed and secured.
“Bears that come to residential areas to feed on unnatural food sources pose a risk to public safety because they can easily become accustomed and defend the food source,” officials said.
When that happens, the animals are often seen as a problem and may need to be euthanized to protect people and property.
To avoid such situations arising in the first place, people should follow these tips:
• Store rubbish in bear- and odor-proof containers or buildings until it can be removed from your property;
• Clean up and remove any potential attractants as soon as possible if not immediately to avoid habituation of bears and other wildlife;
• Never leave pet food stored outside or in areas accessible to bears;
• Avoid using bird feeders from April 1st to November 30th;
• Clean grills and outdoor dining areas after use;
• Store smokehouses and animal carcasses, including bones, skins and waste, in bear-resistant buildings away from people;
• Properly maintain or remove gardens and fruit-bearing trees or shrubs as they may attract bears;
• Consider using an indoor composter;
• Frequently aerate outdoor compost heaps and cover with soil or lime;
• Do not put meat, fish, oils and dairy products in compost heaps.
Residents who encounter a bear or other wildlife that could potentially pose a public safety concern are encouraged to report the incident to the 24-hour Report a Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.
