Wildlife enforcement officers are investigating the shooting death of a grizzly bear found on private property south of Calgary, marking another concerning incident involving Alberta's threatened grizzly population.
The adult male grizzly was discovered deceased on Tuesday morning on ranch land approximately 40 kilometres south of the city, according to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas spokesperson Jennifer Walker. The bear had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, prompting an immediate investigation by Fish and Wildlife enforcement officers.
"We take any incident involving grizzly bears very seriously, given their protected status under Alberta's Wildlife Act," Walker said in a statement. "Our officers are working to determine the circumstances surrounding this bear's death and whether the shooting was lawful."
Under Alberta legislation, grizzly bears can only be killed in self-defence or defence of property when there is an imminent threat to human safety. Property owners must report such incidents to wildlife authorities within 24 hours and surrender the carcass for investigation.
The Foothills County property where the bear was found has experienced increased wildlife activity this spring as animals emerge from winter dens seeking food sources. Local rancher Tom Henderson, whose property neighbours the discovery site, said grizzly sightings have become more common in recent years.
"We've been seeing more bears coming through looking for calving cows and anything else they can find," Henderson told WestNet News. "Most of us try to use bear-proof garbage containers and electric fencing, but it's always a concern during calving season."
Alberta's grizzly bear population is estimated at fewer than 700 individuals, making them one of the province's most vulnerable large mammal species. The bears are classified as threatened under the Species at Risk Act and protected under provincial wildlife legislation.
Fish and Wildlife enforcement officers are conducting interviews with area residents and examining physical evidence at the scene. The investigation could result in charges under the Wildlife Act if the shooting is deemed unlawful, carrying potential penalties including fines up to $100,000 and possible jail time.
Conservation groups have expressed concern about the incident, calling for enhanced education and prevention programs. "Every grizzly bear loss impacts the overall population recovery," said Sarah Mitchell from the Alberta Wilderness Association. "We need better support for ranchers to implement non-lethal deterrent methods."
The bear's carcass has been transported to a Fish and Wildlife facility for necropsy examination. Results of the investigation are expected within several weeks.
Wildlife officials remind residents in bear country to secure attractants, maintain clean properties, and report bear encounters immediately to the 24-hour wildlife conflict hotline at 310-0000.
This marks the second grizzly bear death under investigation in southern Alberta this year, following a similar incident near Canmore in January where charges were ultimately not laid after the shooting was deemed justified self-defence.