A bear safety specialist says parts in and around Calgary should be considered “bear country” after a hunter was mauled by one south of Cochrane Thursday.
EMS says they were called to an area west of the city near Highway 22 and Highway 8 about a hunter injured by a bear just before 1 p.m.
Public education officer Stuart Brideux explains the man was transferred to Foothills Hospital by STARS ambulance in serious but stable condition.
A statement from Carstairs Minor Hockey Association confirms the victim is its vice president and coach, Jesse Sayer.
The bear was killed by his partner, according to Fish and Wildlife and noted by Kim Tichener, founder of Bear Safety and More.
“The man was injured, and he was very fortunate that the person he was with was able to stop the attack,” she said.
However, a second bear fled the scene, which she says was “likely” a cub.
“The question now is, will that cub survive on its own?” Tichener said.
A spokesperson for the Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen, says three cubs were in the area of the incident, and they will be allowed to hibernate after Fish and Wildlife officers consulted wildlife specialists within the ministry.
“The cubs appear to be in very good shape, and of good size and weight, and based on their observed movements, they likely have a den nearby,” the statement reads.
“This is the time of year they would normally start hibernating, so they will likely be denning for the winter soon, and there will be abundant food sources for them when they emerge in the spring.”
Meanwhile, the bear education safety founder says programs — along with bird feeder and compost bylaws — are needed to better live with them, particularly as they continue to venture onto Prairie landscapes
“I think this would be pretty shocking for people … they’re just not used to seeing bears in that area,” Tichener said.
“We can definitely say now that the western and southern part of the City of Calgary, as its expansion, has now gone into their country.”
Tichener points out that hunting season can be a dangerous time as woodsmen move quietly in search of prey.
“With hunting, you’re quiet. You’re often by yourself, maybe with one other person. You’re trying to call in animals like prey species, like elk,” she said.
She says anyone heading out should do so as a group because the noise made is louder, and someone is there to help if something unexpected should happen.
“Buy yourself a can of bear spray. Get a holster, and the next time you’re going to go out into bear country, you’re wearing it. You’re keeping your dog on leash, you’re making noise,” Tichener said.
With files from Nadia Moharib