A coop full of chickens in Rolling Range Estates had a harrowing experience last week.
On the morning of June 17 Phil Davidson’s wife woke up to two grizzly bears trying to raid her wire chicken enclosure.
“She called us at 7:30 p.m.,” said her brother-in-law Don. Davidson was away in Michigan.
She looked out the window to see one bear trying to rip the door off the enclosure and another climbing on top of the rabbit cage hoping to get into the coop.
Despite some damage to the wiring, the enclosure held and the bears eventually moved on.
They were later seen wandering the Fireside area. In response, Alberta Fish and Wildlife set traps for the bears. One, a female bear, was captured the evening of June 17. A second bear, a male believed to be part of the original pair, was captured the afternoon of June 20 in Bearspaw. The animals were being assessed for their relocation potential as of press time.
Brendan Cox, spokesperson with Alberta Fish and Wildlife, said all trails and areas around Cochrane remain open, but he reminded people to be vigilant when out for walks in wilderness areas.
“Bears and other species do travel waterways and other wildlife corridors,” he said.
He advised people carry bear spray, travel in groups, keep pets leashed, make noise and eliminate distractions such as earbuds when travelling in natural areas.
While grizzlies and other foothills species tend to stay farther west, it is not unusual for them to wander into other areas, especially along the river.
When that happens, he said there are ways to protect property and livestock.
One of the more expensive and technological solutions is erecting electric fencing around the property, but there are more low-tech solutions.
Cox said landowners should ensure they have proper and sturdy enclosures, pick up spilled feed and pet food, keep garbage off the property, harvest fruit and berries before they ripen and keep them in a sealed container and eliminate food smells by keeping barbecues clean.
Bird lovers might also want to avoid putting feeders out between April and October.
To report wildlife encounters call 1-800-642-3800.
