Orphaned Bear Cub's Rescue Near Calgary Spurs Urgent Call for Wildlife Awareness

A poignant reminder of the delicate balance between urban sprawl and the natural world unfolded recently near Calgary, as an orphaned black bear cub was apprehended after showing concerning signs of habituation to humans. This little cub's plight serves as a stark illustration of the challenges wildlife face when human activities inadvertently draw them into dangerous proximity.

The cub, estimated to be just a few months old, was first spotted alone in the Bragg Creek area, west of Calgary.

Its mother was nowhere to be found, leading wildlife officials to conclude the cub was orphaned. While its initial appearance was cause for concern, it was the cub's subsequent behaviour that triggered the intervention. Instead of exhibiting natural fear, the young bear had become increasingly comfortable around people, a clear indication of habituation—a condition that significantly reduces an animal's chances of survival in the wild and poses potential risks to human safety.

Wildlife experts from Alberta Parks and Environment and Protected Areas made the difficult but necessary decision to intervene.

Apprehending a wild animal, especially a vulnerable cub, is always a last resort, but in cases of severe habituation, it becomes crucial for the animal's welfare and public safety. The cub's comfort with humans meant it was likely accessing human-provided food sources, such as garbage or pet food, leading to a dangerous dependency.

Currently, the rescued cub is undergoing assessment and care with Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers.

The hope is that with rehabilitation, it can be prepared for a future release back into a suitable wild environment. However, the path to rewilding is challenging, and not all habituated animals can successfully transition back to a natural existence.

This incident is not an isolated one. Wildlife officials consistently emphasize the critical importance of securing attractants in bear country.

Garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and even compost piles can draw bears into residential areas, leading to habituation, conflicts, and often tragic outcomes for the animals involved. The message is clear: 'a fed bear is a dead bear' is a harsh but often true reality.

The community is urged to play an active role in preventing similar situations.

Simple actions like keeping garbage securely stored until collection day, removing bird feeders during non-winter months, cleaning barbecue grills, and ensuring pet food is not left outdoors can make a monumental difference. Furthermore, maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife and never attempting to feed wild animals are paramount to their survival.

The story of this orphaned cub is a powerful call to action.

It highlights our collective responsibility to protect Alberta's incredible wildlife heritage. By understanding and practicing responsible coexistence, we can help ensure that young bears like this one have the best possible chance to thrive in their natural habitat, far from the dangers of human dependency.