Three grizzly cubs found near a fatal bear attack south of Cochrane will be left to hibernate naturally, Alberta officials confirm.
Grizzly Cubs Near Cochrane Attack to Hibernate Unassisted
Discovery Near the Attack Site
Three grizzly bear cubs have been located close to the site of Thursday’s bear attack south of Cochrane, Alberta. The incident left a hunter injured and the attacking grizzly sow dead. Officials confirmed the cubs appeared healthy, well-fed, and active in the area.
Provincial Decision to Leave Cubs Alone
Following consultations with wildlife biologists and specialists, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services decided not to intervene. The cubs will be allowed to hibernate naturally, as their behaviour suggests they have already prepared a nearby den.
Context of the Attack
The grizzly sow was fatally shot by the victim’s hunting partner during the attack. Initially, one bear was seen fleeing the scene, but it was later confirmed that the deceased sow was a female and likely the mother of the cubs. Officials have not verified whether the cubs were hers.
Expert Concerns About Survival Odds
Retired Fish and Wildlife officer John Clarke noted that the cubs’ age will be a key factor in their ability to survive the winter. “They’ll have to find food, water, and avoid predators,” Clarke said, adding that young grizzlies usually stay with their mother for up to three years.
Policies on Orphaned Grizzlies
Under Alberta’s Wildlife Act, orphaned grizzly bears cannot be rehabilitated or released back into the wild—unlike black bears. The province’s grizzly response guide lists limited options for such cubs: placement in captivity, non-intervention, or euthanasia. Officials deemed non-intervention the most suitable option in this case.
Public Safety and Ongoing Monitoring
Following the incident, warning signs about dangerous grizzlies were posted roughly 40 kilometres west of Calgary. STARS air ambulance confirmed the hunter was airlifted from the Springbank area and remains in non-life-threatening condition. The province has not disclosed the exact location of the attack to prevent public interference with the cubs.
Outlook for Spring
As winter approaches, the cubs are expected to enter hibernation soon. Officials remain cautiously optimistic, noting that if the young bears have accumulated enough fat reserves, they should survive the season and reemerge in good health come spring.
