Black bear killed on Highway 3

Alberta ESRD file photo

Toni Lucas, Crowsnest Voice

On the evening of Wednesday October 2, a black bear was hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 3 near the junction with Highway 22.

Fish and Wildlife officers and Crowsnest Pass RCMP officers were called to the scene.  They removed the dead bear.  Crowsnest Pass Fish and Wildlife Officer John Clarke said that the bear was a female black bear that was not lactating although there were reports that cubs were nearby.   Clarke said Karelian bear dogs were used for tracking at the scene and the area was monitored for over 12 hours after the accident.  Clarke concluded that if there were any cubs accompanying the bear that was killed they had already been weaned, and no signs of them were found.


Clarke would like to remind the public to be bear smart.  At this time of the year bears are getting ready to den for the winter.  They are looking for food, and Clarke said the number of bear sightings has increased throughout southwestern Alberta.

That information is supported by research conducted by scientist Andrea Morehouse, who is in charge of the Grizzly Bear Monitoring Project.  Since 2011 Morehouse has been monitoring grizzly bear populations, densities and distribution ranging from  Kimball Alberta to the east into  BC to the west and south of Highway 3 into Montana.

Carnivore sightings can be made to the Blairmore Fish and Wildlife office at 403-562-3289. After hours reports can be made to the Report-A-Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.

Related story:  Waterton Biosphere Reserve hosts Cardston Large Carnivore Projects Tour
Related Link:  Alberta Bear Smart