CALGARY – Traps have been set and areas of Redwood Meadows closed to the public after sightings of a mother bear who authorities say has been separated from her cubs. One bear was caught Friday, but officials said it doesn’t seem to be the mother bear that had been spotted earlier this week.
Fish and Wildlife officers said a black bear was initially attracted by fruit trees, but at one point the bear got into a garage with an open door. The bear was attracted by a garbage bag with the remains of a deer in it.
Spokesperson Brendan Cox said three traps were set for the bear earlier this week, including a family trap.
Cox said it looked like the mother bear and cubs had left the area Thursday, but the trap remained “just to be safe,” and ended up catching a bear on Friday.
“The bear that was caught has been determined to be a healthy, very mature female estimated to be eight years of age, which is determined by its teeth,” he said. “This bear was not lactating, which would normally indicate it does not have young cubs.”
Cox said no cubs approached the trap on Many Horses Drive in Redwood Meadows, nor have any cubs been seen again.
The trapped bear now has an ear tag and will be relocated. Two traps will remain in the area, including the one designed for a family unit of bears.
People who live in Redwood Meadows are being urged to be cautious and keep their distance from the traps and the bears if they see them.
Cox suggested residents pick up fallen fruit from trees and keep garbage in a place where bears can’t get to it.
If you see any bears, Cox says to call the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
Redwood Meadows is a townsite 40 kilometres west of Calgary, near Bragg Creek, Alta.
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With files from Ken MacGillivray
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