‘Aggressive’ black bear euthanized in Waterton Lakes National Park

A stock photo fo a Black Bear. (Photo by Chen Te/Pexels)

Parks Canada says a bear had to be euthanized in southern Alberta last week after exhibiting “unusual and aggressive behaviour” toward humans.

According to a social media post, the organization received a report on Saturday, May 24, about a black bear that approached a hiker on Cameron Lakeshore Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Parks Canada says the bear behaved in a manner deemed “not safe” for maintaining “human-wildlife coexistence.”

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The encounter prompted officials to close an area surrounding Cameron Lake and nearby trails.

The following day, Parks Canada’s wildlife team located a bear matching the description of the one involved in the May 24 incident, which they say was exhibiting “similar behaviours.”

After careful consideration, the decision was made to euthanize the bear.

Parks Canada says the action is in line with its standard human-wildlife coexistence procedures.

“This action is always a last resort and will only be taken if necessary to do so in the interest of public safety,” Parks Canada said.

“Human and wildlife safety is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. While this was an isolated incident, we want to remind visitors that wildlife and public safety is a shared responsibility – we all have a role to play.”

Parks Canada is asking people to report bear sightings of concern immediately by calling 1-888-927-3367.