Southwest Alberta ranchers losing cattle to grizzly bears

It appears some southern Alberta cattle producers are facing an extra challenge this spring. Dozens of ranchers claim their calves have been killed by grizzly bears. “It’s getting to where the bears are getting bolder,” said Calvin Walper, strolling on his Twin Butte property where he’s encountered nearly a dozen bears, recently losing five-to-six head of cattle per year. “In the fall they’re a little smaller,” Walper said. “Being a 600 lb. animal, a bear can take them to the bush over there and feast on it.” The problem isn’t exclusive to this ranch. Fish & Wildlife officers say at least nine cattle in southwest Alberta have been killed since mid-April, with several others missing. “It’s the combination of such a late green-up, not much fruit for the bears, and such a high density of grizzly bears between Twin Butte and Waterton,” said Perry Abramenko, who helps oversee the Pincher Creek district. Walper claims the grizzlies are getting so accustomed to human contact, they’re coming within three metres of his family’s home. In one instance last year, two bears were found lounging where the family parks their vehicles...more