Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services are asking for help from the public following the discovery of a deceased grizzly bear with a gunshot wound last autumn, as stated in a social media post on Friday. The bear’s remains were found by a hunter on November 25 near Honey Coulee, a public trail area located approximately 110 kilometers south of Calgary. Officials determined that the grizzly bear had been shot sometime between November 8 and 20.
Grizzly bear hunting has been prohibited in Alberta since 2006 due to their status as a threatened species according to the provincial government. A spokesperson from Fish and Wildlife expressed that illegal hunting activities, like poaching, not only impact Alberta’s ecosystems but also law-abiding hunters. These actions undermine conservation efforts and threaten wildlife population management, potentially leading to more stringent regulations that affect lawful hunters.
Through the Report A Poacher program in the province, individuals providing information that leads to charges being laid could qualify for a cash reward. Retired Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer, John Clarke, emphasized the significance of the incident, noting the low reproductive rates of grizzly bears, which contribute to their vulnerable status. Clarke reflected on past cases of grizzly bears being unlawfully shot, highlighting the need for vigilance in distinguishing between grizzly and black bears, especially during hunting seasons.
The investigation into the incident likely involves scouring the area for tire tracks or footprints, interviewing locals, and identifying hunters with black bear licenses in the vicinity. The provincial government monitors grizzly bear deaths in Alberta, noting that vehicle collisions have been the primary cause of mortality, alongside cases of illegal killings and mistaken identities with black bears over the years.