Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services are asking for the public’s help following the discovery of a deceased grizzly bear with a gunshot wound last autumn, as revealed in a recent social media update. The remains of the bear were located by a hunter on November 25 near Honey Coulee, a popular trail area approximately 110 kilometers south of Calgary.
Investigators determined that the grizzly bear had been shot sometime earlier, potentially between November 8 and 20. Hunting grizzly bears in Alberta has been prohibited since 2006 due to their classification as a threatened species by the provincial government.
A spokesperson from Fish and Wildlife emphasized the detrimental impact of poaching and unlawful hunting activities on Alberta’s ecosystems and law-abiding hunters. These activities undermine conservation efforts and wildlife population management, potentially leading to stricter regulations that affect lawful hunters.
The Report A Poacher program in the province offers the possibility of a cash reward to individuals who provide information that results in charges being filed. Retired Fish and Wildlife officer John Clarke highlighted the significance of illegal shootings of grizzly bears, noting their low reproductive rates and vulnerable status.
Clarke mentioned previous cases during his career involving the deliberate killing of grizzly bears or mistaking them for black bears. While black bear hunting is permitted in the region where the deceased grizzly was found, Clarke suggested the shooting could have been a case of mistaken identity, despite the black bear hunting season ending shortly before the incident.
The investigation by Fish and Wildlife likely involves examining the area for evidence such as tire tracks or footprints, interviewing locals, and identifying hunters with black bear licenses in the vicinity. However, the possibility that the grizzly was shot and moved before succumbing to its injuries could complicate pinpointing the exact location of the shooting.
The provincial government monitors grizzly bear deaths in Alberta, with vehicle collisions being the primary cause of mortality from 2013 to 2022. During this period, there were 58 instances of illegal killings and six cases of grizzlies being mistaken for black bears.
Overall, the authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation to help protect Alberta’s wildlife and ecosystems.
