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Bear sighting in southwest Calgary causes park and pathway closure

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Part of Griffith Woods Park, including pathways, is closed due to an active bear in the area.

Published May 06, 2024  •  Last updated May 06, 2024  •  2 minute read

A sign warns off a possible black bear in the area along Glenmore Reservoir near Glenmore Landing on Monday September 10, 2018. Gavin Young/ Postmedia

Alberta Fish and Wildlife has closed a portion of Griffith Woods Park in southwest Calgary due to an active bear in the area.

The Discovery Ridge Community Association alerted residents of the bear on Friday, saying that the bear had accessed residential waste from bins stored but not secured outside of homes.

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Traps have been set out in an attempt to capture and relocate the bear.

Bears are not uncommon in this area of Calgary. In 2022, a family of four black bears was trapped in the area and Alberta Fish and Wildlife determined that they could not safely be relocated, turning to euthanasia as a solution. In that same year, two black bears found searching for food in Discovery Park were relocated to a safer location.

Residents in designated wildlife-affected areas are required to follow specific instructions regarding black bin usage to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. These instructions include setting black bins at the curb no earlier than 5 a.m. and retrieving them no later than 7 p.m. on waste collection days, keeping black bins stored in a secured enclosure, such as a garage or shed, overnight and freezing food waste prior to putting it in the green cart on collection day.

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ADVISORY: The City has been notified by Alberta Fish & Wildlife about a bear concern in Discovery Ridge. They are installing two traps and will be implementing a closure of some of the trials. If you see a bear, please report sighting to 1-800-642-3800. pic.twitter.com/QEMbFeEtje

— Richard Pootmans (@pootmans) May 3, 2024

Ward 6 Coun. Richard Pootmans said the city is seeing widespread compliance regarding the changes to waste rules. He said people were getting used to the plan last year but seem to have adjusted this year. His office has limited concerns with compliance and has received fewer calls on the matter this year than last.

Comparing this year to recent years, Pootmans said, "I think it succeeded generally, other than the fact we had to euthanize four bears. I think this time around, we're a little more sensitive and understanding in how to manage this process better."

Pootmans emphasized that while these waste regulations and park closures are to make sure the bears are protected, they are also meant to protect humans.

"We have to remind ourselves that we're out to look after the bears but make sure we look after children as well."

Griffith Woods Park is a 93-hectare park that borders the south edge of Discovery Ridge, between Highway 8 and the Elbow River.

"Two communities — Springbank Hill and Signal Hill — have also had the request to sign on as well. I think it would be naive to think the bear problem has gone away forever," said Pootmans.

To reach Alberta Fish and Wildlife, call 310-0000 or 1-800-642-3800.

With files from Scott Strasser

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