Calgary local Glenn Suart had an unexpected encounter with a black bear at the start of his day. Suart, a resident of Oakridge, witnessed the bear crossing the street and climbing a tree near Louis Riel School around 7:45 a.m. He promptly notified the authorities, leading to the involvement of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services.
Shortly after, Suart observed police and wildlife officers tranquilizing and safely relocating the bear from the neighborhood. The captured female bear underwent a health screening and was found to be in good condition, free of injuries, and fit for release back into the wild.
This incident marked a rare sighting for Suart, who had lived in the area for 25 years without encountering a bear before. According to Fish and Wildlife officials, the bear captured that morning in southwest Calgary had been spotted multiple times in the region over the past few weeks, including areas near the Glenmore Reservoir and South Glenmore Park.
Southwest Calgary, situated on the city’s outskirts, is a hotspot for bear activities due to its proximity to natural spaces and wildlife corridors. While black bears are commonly seen in Calgary, grizzly bears also reside relatively close to the city. Wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan emphasized the importance of keeping dogs leashed in natural areas and properly managing garbage to prevent bear encounters.
Despite the cooling temperatures in Alberta, bear incidents persist across the province, prompting bear warnings in popular areas like Kananaskis Country. Recent encounters, including bluff charges against hikers, have led to temporary closures of some trails. As bears focus on food consumption to prepare for winter hibernation, residents and visitors to bear country are advised to remain vigilant for potential encounters until late November.
