Two orphaned grizzly cubs are being cared for at the Calgary Zoo. Photo by Stephen Strand
A hunter near Diamond Valley was recently charged by a grizzly bear, that led to its cubs being orphaned.
On September 15, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) received a report about a hunter in the Diamond Valley area who was charged by a grizzly bear.
In self defense, the hunter shot and killed the grizzly to prevent an attack, and it was later confirmed that the bear had two cubs.
FWES officers were able to successfully capture the cubs, who are now being cared for by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo,
According to a statement from the Calgary Zoo, the cubs were born this year and are still fully dependent on their mother.
“Without human intervention, they surely would have died if left in the wild,” the Calgary Zoo stated. “The two little bears are receiving exceptional care and getting lots of love from the Animal Care, Health & Welfare team. The cubs are eating and drinking properly and settling in well.”
While the cubs are at the zoo, they are being cared for at the Animal Health Centre and are not available to be viewed by the public.
“A huge thank you to Alberta Fish & Wildlife for their swift action in rescuing these young grizzly cubs. Lifesaving work like this is only possible through strong partnerships, and we’re grateful to be part of their journey forward,” the Zoo added.
With this incident, FWES is reminding everyone that bears can be unpredictable and protective, and could become aggressive if they sense any kind of threat.
In order to stay safe from bears, FWES encourages people to carry bear spray in a way that it is easily to access, make noise while out hiking or hunting to alert bears to where you are, and never go out alone, as bears are less likely to approach groups of people.
To learn more about bear safety tips, click here.
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