CALGARY- A young grizzly bear that was spotted near Okotoks has been caught by Fish and Wildlife officers.
The bear, thought to be about three or four years old, was seen raiding gardens north of the town over the past week, and officials had issued a warning to residents.
Early Wednesday morning, the cub was caught in a bait trap. Officers say it’s extremely rare for a grizzly bear to venture so far out of its natural habitat.
“He was getting into areas around homes…as well as in people’s yards, and ripped their bushes apart,” explains Fish and Wildlife Officer Ron Wiebe. “We picked him up in our culvert trap here for his own safety, and to try and get him out of an area that is very populated.”
Some thought the June flood might have forced the bear downriver to forage for food, but officials say it’s more likely that conservation efforts have led to an increased number of bears.
The cub is now under observation, and will transported to its new home in a remote area near Canmore on Thursday.
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