Calgary Zoo Cares for Orphaned Grizzly Cubs After Mother Killed in Self-Defence

In mid-September near Diamond Valley, a hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear in self-defense after it charged, resulting in the bear's two cubs being orphaned. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services confirmed the adult female bear had two cubs, which were captured and transported to the Calgary Zoo's Wilder Institute for care. The cubs, born this year and still fully dependent on their mother, are now receiving intensive care at the zoo's Animal Health Centre and are not on public display. The Calgary Zoo emphasized that without human intervention, the cubs would likely have perished in the wild. Authorities and wildlife programs stress the importance of bear safety precautions, including carrying bear spray, making noise when outdoors, and traveling in groups to reduce dangerous encounters. This incident highlights ongoing human-bear interactions in the region, which experts attribute more to increased human presence than bear population growth.