Bears spotted in southwest Calgary neighbourhoods

CALGARY – The City of Calgary is warning people living in a pair of southwest communities to be on the lookout for a mama bear and her cub.

The bear family was spotted along the western edge of Cedarbrae and Oakridge, near the border of the Tsuut’ina Nation.

BEARS IN CEDARBRAE/OAKRIDGE AREA
A bear and her cub have been seen in yards along the western edge of Cedarbrae and Oakridge, near the border of the Tsuut'ina Nation. Please be cautious in the area this morning.@Tsuutinapolice #yyc #yyctransit #yycroads #yyctraffic pic.twitter.com/vKn3GRCXzF

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) October 12, 2021

The city says Alberta Fish and Wildlife has been called in to investigate and has closed trails in South Glenmore Park. But in the meantime, Calgary officers will be out watching for the bears as Calgarians in those communities wake up and go about their days.

If you live in those areas, the city is asking you to watch out for the bears as well.

“We are asking residents in the area to make sure they look out a window into their yard before leaving their house to ensure the animals are not in their path,” city officials said in a release.

“Anyone who does see the bears should keep their distance and, if in a home or vehicle, stay inside.”

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Fish and Wildlife’s Ina Lucila says this is an important reminder that even in urban areas, natural areas that form a part of a wildlife corridor exist with many species travelling through at any given time.

“Especially during this time of the year, bears continue to put more and more focus on calorie intake to prepare for the upcoming hibernation period,” said Lucila.

“Many of the natural food sources that bears have relied on during the summer period may no longer be available, so bears will travel more in order to find another food source.”

She says people need to be extra careful when it comes to storing garbage and compost, as a bear that catches a whiff will be drawn in.

“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,” she said.

If you come across a bear, don’t panic and don’t run. Provincial wildlife officers say calmy collect your family, pets, and go indoors.

Once you’re safe, you can call your wildlife office and notify it of the animal.

After the bear has left the area, remove anything from your property that might attract a bear and ask your neighbours to do the same.

If food sources in the area remain available, the bear will likely return.