Grizzly bears killed 17 sheep and five lambs on a Southern Alberta farm this week, in a gruesome attack both the rancher and wildlife experts say is rare, especially considering the sheer number of animals slaughtered.
He said he’s seen bears before near his cattle ranch a few miles away from where he keeps the flock. Once, Grizzly bears are listed as a threatened species and in 2006 the provincial government made hunting them illegal under the Alberta Wildlife Act in an attempt to boost their numbers. As the population grows, however, bears can venture away from their mountain habitats and closer to ranchland, making encounters more likely, according to one expert.
Mr. Walter said at first he wasn’t sure what had caused the attack and initially didn’t think it was a bear considering neighbours had said cougars had recently killed some of their livestock. Ms. Ruckstuhl said that, although it might seem like the bear killed for sport, it was likely following its natural tendencies.
Last year, Mr. Walter paid $350 each for 17 adult sheep, meaning with the recent losses he’s out close to $6,000. He said lambs typically sell for $300 each, so losing five is another financial blow.