The bear situation in Cochrane is becoming more concerning for Fish and Wildlife as the animals are becoming more habituated to finding garbage to eat in town. This is proving dangerous for residents and bears. 

Acting District Officer for Fish and Wildlife in Cochrane, Samantha Hillier confirms that one of the black bears that have been hanging around in Cochrane has been put down in the interest of public safety.  

In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 17, 2022, Hillier reports “Fish and Wildlife and RCMP both responded to a report in the fireside community of a large black bear that was eating garbage. So, when the officers attended, the bear was found sleeping between two houses beside the garbage bins. It had literally gorged itself on food and then fell asleep right next to the garbage bin. Due to the high level of habituation and low fear of humans, this bear was destroyed for public safety.” 

Fish and Wildlife cannot stress enough the need for Cochrane residents to put their garbage bins and other attractants such as bird feeders, pet food, and BBQs away from areas where bears can easily access them.  

Hillier explains, “Once a bear knocks over a garbage bin and is rewarded with food, they will keep coming back until that reward is gone. So, that's why it's so important that people please keep their garbage bins and compost bins inside until the morning of garbage.” 

Numerous traps have been set by Fish and Wildlife in various neighbourhoods in town, but the traps are competing with the lure of the garbage bins and have been unsuccessful in catching the bears. The most recent sightings have been in the Rolling Range Estates, Riverview, and the Bow Ridge areas. 

Hillier says it is imperative for residents to know that “Due to the high level of habituation and low fear of humans, residents should understand that these bears are never safe to be around. So, leaving food out or actively feeding bears endangers the community and it increases the chances that a bear may have to be destroyed for public safety.” 

For the residents who cannot put their bins away, Hillier suggests that they secure the lids with ratchet straps or bungee cords to deter the bears from getting into the garbage.  

The warmer weather has also played a part in the bears sticking around and they are going to keep eating until the weather gets colder and their internal clock tells them to go to sleep.  

Until that happens, Fish and Wildlife are encouraging residents to call in any bear sighting, day or night to the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. It is important that officers are aware of where the animals are and can respond immediately.  

The bear situation in Cochrane is one that everyone must be diligent about to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent any more bears from being destroyed due to the temptation of human garbage.   

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