A black bear was spotted in Fireside Wednesday, Sep. 8, prompting a letter from Holy Spirit School advising parents that safety precautions were being taken.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife confirmed with the school that a bear was in the Cochrane neighbourhood. The letter went on to state that Holy Spirit staff would be supervising students as they boarded buses at dismissal, and requested that all other students be picked up at the front doors of the school.
Alberta Environment and Parks sent an email response to The Eagle on Sep. 9 stating: “The bear had been reported getting into garbage cans down a back alley. Officers arrived at the location with a trap and immobilization equipment, but the bear was not found. Officers believe the bear may have gone down by the river and into a green space. Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor the situation.”
The statement goes on to remind residents in the area that even in urban areas, natural areas that form a part of a wildlife corridor exist with many species travelling through at any given time. It is important to take steps to avoid conflict with bears and other wildlife.
Those steps include: store garbage in bear-resistant and odour-proof containers or buildings; any possible attractants should be cleaned up and removed as soon as possible if not immediately to avoid habituation of wildlife; pet food should never be left outside and stored in easy access for bears to obtain; clean barbecues and outdoor food use areas after use; and, gardens and fruit-bearing trees or shrubs attract bears, and should be removed.
The Alberta Bear Smart Program website provides additional information. Dangerous wildlife can be reported through the 24-hour “Report A Poacher” line at 1-800-642-3800.
