Where’s the bear? Black bear not found after spotted in Edmonton’s river valley

EDMONTON – Reported sightings of a black bear in Edmonton’s river valley Thursday morning had police warning pedestrians to stay away from the area.

The bear was reportedly spotted several times south of the North Saskatchewan River off Groat Road Bridge, prompting police to request pedestrians stay off walking trails in the area and stay away from Emily Murphy Park.

Fish and Wildlife officers were called to help with the search, but as of late Thursday morning hadn’t located the bear.

“We have wildlife, animals, wandering in and out of the city via the river valley primarily, and it’s not uncommon to have a black bear wander in to the city,” explained Dennis Prodan, District Fish and Wildlife Officer.

There are a couple possibilities of what happened to the bear, Prodan said.

“There’s quite a bit of vegetation along the river valley and banks of the river, so if the bear hunkered down, he could still be in there, or he could wandered off to the bush.”

Prodan added the bear appeared to have avoided humans.

“It’s likely from all indications this bear doesn’t want anything to do with people which is good. So he has his natural instinct to get away.”

Anyone who sees a bear in the Edmonton area is asked to immediately contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife or Edmonton police.

WATCH: Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer Dennis Prodan speaks to the media about authorities search for a black bear reportedly spotted in Edmonton’s river valley