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Stock photo of a black bear. Parks Canada says a black bear has been euthanized in Waterton Lakes National Park following aggressive behaviours towards humans. (Photo: Grayfoxx1942 | Dreamstime.com)

Bear euthanized in Waterton after acting aggressively towards humans

Jun 2, 2025 | 11:47 AM

Parks Canada says it was left with no choice but to put a bear down in one of southern Alberta’s national parks.

On the evening of Saturday, May 24, officials received reports of a black bear approaching a hiker on the Cameron Lakeshore Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park.

“The bear exhibited unusual and aggressive behaviour towards humans, in a manner that was deemed not safe or manageable towards maintaining human-wildlife coexistence by a team of Parks Canada wildlife specialists,” reads a social media post from Parks Canada.

The area was closed as a precaution while the Parks Canada wildlife team searched for the animal, euthanizing it the following evening at approximately 5:45 p.m.

“This action is always a last resort and will only be taken if necessary to do so in the interest of public safety,’ says Parks Canada.

Park officials explain that human and wildlife safety is of the utmost importance.

While this was deemed to be an isolated incident, it serves as a reminder to those who come to the country’s national parks that everyone has a role to play in ensuring wildlife and public safety.

Anyone who is using the mountainous trails is asked to hike in groups, make noise and carry bear spray.

The public is also urged to keep food and garbage secure, never feed wildlife, not to litter, respect all warnings and signage, and keep at least three bus lengths away from deer and sheep and 100 metres/10 bus lengths from bears.

Bear sightings can be reported to the Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-888-927-3367.

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