Calgary local Glenn Suart experienced an unexpected encounter with a black bear as he started his day. Suart, a resident of Oakridge, witnessed the bear crossing the street and climbing up a tree near Louis Riel School around 7:45 a.m. He promptly alerted the authorities, leading to the involvement of Calgary police and Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services.
After being tranquilized by officers, the female bear was safely captured and subjected to a health assessment. Alberta Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Calli Forbes confirmed that the bear displayed no injuries and was deemed fit for release. The bear was subsequently relocated to a remote area outside Calgary to ensure its safety and chance of survival in the wild.
Notably, Suart noted the rarity of bear sightings in his neighborhood, expressing surprise at the event after residing in the area for 25 years. According to Fish and Wildlife, the captured black bear was likely the same one spotted multiple times in southwest Calgary recently, including areas near the Glenmore Reservoir and South Glenmore Park. Oakridge, along with other southwest Calgary neighborhoods like Discovery Ridge and Woodlands, is recognized for its occasional bear visitors.
Wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan highlighted the appeal of southwest Calgary to bears due to its proximity to natural spaces and river corridors that facilitate their movement into the city. While black bears are the predominant species in Calgary, grizzly bears are also known to inhabit areas relatively close to the city.
Bear encounters continue to be reported across Alberta despite decreasing temperatures. Alberta Parks recently issued bear warnings for various locations in Kananaskis Country following incidents of bear bluff-charging hikers. With bears primarily focused on foraging for food before winter hibernation, residents and visitors in bear-populated regions are advised to remain cautious and prepared for potential encounters until late fall.
