Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services is requesting public support in the investigation of a deceased grizzly bear discovered with a gunshot wound last autumn, as per a recent social media announcement by the department. The deceased bear was located by a hunter on November 25 near Honey Coulee, a public trail area situated approximately 110 kilometers south of Calgary. Authorities determined that the grizzly had been shot sometime prior, possibly between November 8 and 20, as disclosed by Fish and Wildlife officials.
The hunting of grizzly bears in Alberta has been prohibited since 2006, with the species being classified as threatened by the provincial government. A spokesperson from Fish and Wildlife emphasized that illegal hunting activities, such as poaching, not only harm Alberta’s ecosystems but also impact law-abiding hunters. These actions undermine conservation initiatives, jeopardize wildlife population management, and may result in stricter regulations affecting lawful hunters.
The Report A Poacher program in the province offers a cash reward to individuals who provide information leading to charges being pressed. Retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer John Clarke emphasized the significance of incidents involving the illegal shooting of grizzly bears due to their low reproductive rates, which contribute to their vulnerable status. Clarke cited past cases where grizzly bears were unlawfully shot, including instances of intentional killing and mistaken identity for black bears.
While black bear hunting is permitted in the area where the deceased grizzly was found in November, Clarke noted that the shooting may have been a case of misidentification, considering the conclusion that the bear was indeed a grizzly. The investigation by Fish and Wildlife likely involves examining the location for evidence such as tire tracks or footprints, engaging with locals, and identifying hunters holding black bear hunting licenses in the vicinity. The provincial government actively monitors grizzly bear deaths in Alberta, with vehicle collisions being the primary cause of mortality between 2013 and 2022, alongside documented cases of illegal killings and mistaken identities with black bears.
