Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services captured and killed a black bear on Saturday in the southwest Calgary community of Woodlands, the province confirmed.
Officials said the bear had become “food-conditioned,” meaning it became accustomed to eating from unsecured compost and garbage bins, and fruit trees in the area.
“Following the provincial black bear response guide, which outlines standardized approaches for managing problem black bears, it was determined that euthanizing the bear was the most appropriate action,” a statement from the province reads.
Provincial officials explained relocating black bears significantly reduces their chances of survival at this time of year, especially when they are not fully grown. This is because bears will be unfamiliar with new areas and will lack suitable denning sites, the province said.
Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services said Albertans should be mindful of securing their garbage and compost to reduce the risk of attracting bears or other potentially dangerous animals.