Black Bear Relocated After Feeding on Elk Calf Near Downtown Canmore

A young black bear feeding on an elk calf near downtown Canmore was tranquilized and relocated Saturday afternoon after wildlife officers determined the situation posed a safety risk.

The incident unfolded near a busy commercial corridor and residential area in Canmore’s town centre. Canmore RCMP said officers responded to multiple 911 calls around 2 p.m. on May 23 reporting a black bear near the Save-On-Foods area at Spur Line Trail and 7th Avenue.

“Due to the potential public safety risk, the area was secured by Canmore RCMP and peace officers,” said Sheena Campbell, director of communications for Alberta’s Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Officials said the bear was relocated to an undisclosed location outside Canmore.

“The fish and wildlife officers successfully immobilized the bear and relocated it from the community,” Campbell said.

Initial reports suggested the incident involved a mother and cub, but Fish and Wildlife later confirmed the animal was a lone yearling black bear, a young bear roughly one year old.

“After investigation, fish and wildlife officers found no evidence to suggest that there was a mother to the yearling bear in the immediate area, nor were there any dangerous attractants that may draw in other curious bears, so the area was reopened to the public,” Campbell said.

The incident comes as wildlife officials and coexistence groups warn of heightened spring bear activity across the Bow Valley as bears descend into valley bottoms and elk calving season gets underway.

A Bear Report issued by the Biosphere Institute on May 21 said grizzly and black bears continue to be seen along trails, roads and in residential neighbourhoods throughout the Bow Valley. The bulletin also warned that newborn elk calves can attract predators such as bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes into town areas searching for food.

“Elk calving season is underway,” the report said. “The presence of newborn elk calves can also attract predators such as bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes into town who are looking for an easy meal.”

Campbell said wildlife officers found no human-related attractants connected to the incident, but encouraged residents to secure garbage, pet food and other potential food sources for bears. She also reminded the public to report dangerous wildlife encounters to Fish and Wildlife or the province’s Report A Poacher line.