Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services could not confirm an alleged report of a black bear cub sighting in Sagewood earlier this week.

"Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services hasn’t received any recent reports of a black bear in the Airdrie neighbourhood of Sagewood," Alberta Fish and Wildlife stated in a written statement to DiscoverAirdrie.

Airdrie RCMP could also not confirm that they had been called to Sagewood for such an incident, stating that they did not have a file regarding it.

While, no recent bear sightings have occurred in Airdrie, in August 2022, a black bear cub was indeed seen wandering the Sagewood neighbourhood before being safely relocated. 

Last week, black bear sightings in Calgary's southwest neighbourhood of Discovery Ridge prompted a closure of parks and pathways in the neighbourhood. According to a May 3 statement by the Discovery Ridge Community Association, Alberta Fish and Wildlife had closed a portion of Griffith Woods Park, including some pathways as a safety measure

"There is an active bear in the area. Bear traps have been set in an attempt to capture the bear and safely relocate it. All Discovery Ridge residents are asked to assist with this being a successful endeavour," the statement read.

The association underlined that there were reports that the bear had accessed residential waste from bins being stored outside of homes but not secured.

"Please do your part and ensure wildlife, in particular bears, cannot access the contents of your bins. This will be one of the key factors in protecting residents and the bear."

The City of Calgary urged residents to set out disposal carts no earlier than 5 a.m. and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day and also to put away their carts after collection, no later than 7 p.m.

"Freeze food waste before putting it out in the green cart on your collection day and clean the carts periodically to reduce odours."

The City of Airdrie has similar advice for residents, while Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement took to X (formerly known as Twitter) this past week to remind residents, that bears all of types are, 'attracted into urban areas to feed on unnatural food sources is a public safety risk because they are easily habituated and may defend the food source.'

Last month, due to grizzly bears frequenting an area in Banff National Park searching for food, the Park enacted a no-stopping zone. The no-stopping area is located in the Bow Valley Parkway, between Baker Creek & Protection Mountain Campground. 

Fish and Wildlife urges Albertans who encounter a bear or other wildlife that is an imminent public safety concern, to report the incident to the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.

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