Black bear euthanized near Fish Creek Provincial Park

Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services captured and killed a black bearon Saturday in the southwest Calgary community of Woodlands, the province confirmed.

Officials said the bear had become "food-conditioned,"meaning it became accustomed to eating from unsecured compost and garbage bins, and fruit trees in the area.

"Following the provincial black bear response guide, which outlines standardized approaches for managing problem black bears, it was determined that euthanizing the bear was the most appropriate action," a statement from the province reads.

Provincial officials explained relocating black bears significantly reduces their chances of survival at this time of year, especially when they are not fully grown. This isbecause bears will beunfamiliarwith new areas and willlack suitable denning sites, the province said.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services saidAlbertansshould be mindful ofsecuring theirgarbage and compost to reduce the risk of attracting bears or other potentially dangerous animals.