It looks like the bear had a "gut" feeling about the garbage.
A black bear that had been frequenting the Diamond Valley area has been euthanized after Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement determined it could not be safely managed.
According to Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers responded throughout the summer to reports of the bear repeatedly accessing residential garbage and other human food sources.
The bear was observed to be undeterred by people and, in some cases, approached individuals, posing a risk to public safety and property.
Officers assessed the incidents using Alberta’s Black Bear Response Guide, which considers factors including the animal’s behaviour, history, health, and the likelihood of future conflict.
The bear was euthanized on Aug. 26, after a trap was initially placed in a green space behind the Bailey Ridge subdivision on Aug. 20, and later relocated to Okalta Road on the Youth Mission property on Aug. 24.
The Town of Diamond Valley noted that the bear had been attracted to the residential area by garbage, compost, and other household attractants.
Residents are reminded to properly secure garbage, recycling and compost, remove bird feeders while bears are active, and keep barbecues clean and free of food residue to reduce the likelihood of habituation and future conflicts.
For more information on preventing bear encounters, visit alberta.ca/bears.
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