Living with our Bear Neighbours
In late August, a black bear sow was euthanized in Bragg Creek, orphaning three cubs. Unfortunately, she’d become habituated to humans and human waste/ food. This was upsetting and frustrating for all involved, and caused a lot of sadness in the community.
Bragg Creek Wild members immediately contacted experts and the authorities after the incident, and have been very active in trying to ensure the safety of the three small cubs.
Bragg Creek Wild believes there’s much we can do to prevent this happening in future, and promote co-existence with bears. We collaborated with Cochrane Ecological Institute to organise a public meeting at Bragg Creek Provincial Park on 7th September, where community members came together to hear experts speak on what we can do immediately and more long-term. Speakers included local conservation biologist Lisa Dahlseide, bear expert Dr. Sarah Elmeligi, BCW’s own Dave Klepacki and two speakers from the U of C’s biology department – Dr. Peter Neuhaus and Dr. Kathreen Ruckstuhl. In attendance were Miranda Rosin MLA and Kevin Hanson, Rocky View County councillor, as well members of the media. The majority of people at the meeting expressed deep concern and wanted to better understand the policies and protocols that led to the euthanization, as well as regarding cub rehabilitation. Experts at the meeting agreed writing to AEP.Minister@gov.ab.ca is an effective way to take action.
As part of our mission to preserve our wildlife neighbours and their homes, and as a result of this incident, we’re in favour of the following initiatives:
- A WildSmart education initiative along the lines of Bow Valley WildSmart – BCW member Emma Barry has already been trained to be an educator in the Wildlife Ambassador programme.
- Rockyview County municipal bylaws penalizing residents and businesses maintaining unprotected food attractants such as garbage and compost, including bird feeders in spring and fall. We’re studying other jurisdictions similar to Bragg Creek, like Canmore and Redwood Meadows, with established animal and waste protection by laws.
- Humanely capturing and rehabilitating orphan black bear and grizzly bear cubs in animal care institutes like the Cochrane Ecological Centre and the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation. We urge Alberta and Environment and Parks and Alberta Fish and Wildlife to design protocols that set rehabilitation as a priority over euthanasia.
- Changing AEP protocols for bear/human interaction to include hazing strategies such as bear spray, air horns, etc. to disengage bears from conflict incidents before fatal strategies are considered.
- Continuing our work to limit habituation by regularly cleaning up at the Provincial Park to limit harm to bears living in that part of the community, with a view to extending to other parts of the community.
We believe it’s important to move forward together by educating ourselves and our neighbours about how we can live in harmony with local wildlife, rather than spending time apportioning blame. Please look out for upcoming events and initiatives and join us to find out more. Also look out for reports on the presentation event we’ve organised for September 21st with speaker Nick de Ruyter from Bow Valley WildSmart.
If you’d like to know more about Bragg Creek Wild or if you’d like to join us, we’re always welcoming new friends, members and volunteers. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and in local media, or visit our website.
