Grizzly Attack Near Calgary Sparks Wildlife Safety Concerns
A grizzly bear attack near Calgary has once again drawn attention to growing wildlife safety concerns in Alberta. The incident, which occurred Thursday in the Springbank area west of the city, left one hunter seriously injured and reignited discussions about how humans and wildlife are increasingly crossing paths.
According to Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services, the attack involved two grizzly bears. One bear was shot and killed by the victim’s hunting partner, while the second fled into the wilderness. Officials are still investigating the situation, and the fate of the escaped bear remains uncertain.
Officials Confirm Investigation and Collect DNA Evidence
The province confirmed that DNA samples are being analyzed to verify if the killed bear was responsible for the mauling. As of Friday, Alberta Fish and Wildlife had not yet released further details.
Emergency Medical Services said the injured hunter was flown to the hospital by STARS air ambulance in serious condition but is now recovering and in non-life-threatening condition.
Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen told CBC News that investigators believe the two bears were a mother and her cub. This factor could determine what happens next for the surviving bear.
Experts Weigh In on the Cub’s Future
Former Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer John Clarke explained that the cub’s age is critical in deciding its future.
“A sow grizzly will stay with her cubs until they’re about three years old,” Clarke said. “If it’s old enough to survive alone, wildlife officers might let it be.”
He added that the young bear had done nothing wrong. “It was simply with its mother,” he said.
Limited Options for Orphaned Cubs in Alberta
Under Alberta’s grizzly bear response guide, there are only a few options when a cub becomes orphaned: keeping it in a zoo, taking no action, or euthanasia. Relocating or rehabilitating young grizzlies back into the wild is not permitted under the provincial Wildlife Act.
Recently, two cubs were placed at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo after their mother was killed in a separate self-defence incident near Diamond Valley. The zoo confirmed the cubs will remain there permanently.
Grizzly Sightings Moving Closer to Alberta Communities
Minister Loewen noted that grizzly bears are expanding their range farther east and north, appearing closer to populated areas than ever before.
“We’re seeing grizzlies in regions where they haven’t been spotted before,” Loewen said. “They’re moving closer and closer to civilization.”
Alberta’s grizzly bear management plan identifies “core areas” where the bears typically live and “support areas” where sightings are expected. However, Loewen said encounters are now happening beyond those zones, often near farms, rural roads, and residential properties.
Growing Population and Rising Conflicts
The province’s latest data shows Alberta’s grizzly bear population has grown significantly. Estimates rose from about 800 bears several years ago to more than 1,150 today. That growth has led to more interactions with humans, as the bears roam wider territories in search of food and habitat.
Officials reported 62 confirmed cases of grizzlies killing livestock this year alone. Thursday’s attack was the third grizzly-related mauling in 2025, following incidents near the St. Mary River in August and Diamond Valley in September.
Balancing Safety and Conservation
As investigations continue, wildlife experts and local residents are urging a balanced approach — one that protects both public safety and the province’s growing grizzly population. Alberta Fish and Wildlife has asked residents in rural and foothill areas to remain alert, travel in groups, and carry bear spray when outdoors.
The ongoing investigation will help determine what happens next for the orphaned bear and how the province can prevent similar incidents in the future.
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