Traps set in Calgary's Fish Creek Park after black bear spotted nearby

Fish and wildlife tracking a bear in Woodbine A black bear in Woodbine is not ready to hibernate just yet, as it has been seen strolling through residential streets for weeks.

Two bear traps have been set up in Calgary's Fish Creek Provincial Park after a black bear has been spotted in the area for several weeks.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife says the bear trap was initially set on Oct. 26 after the bear frequented homes along Woodacres Drive S.W., getting into compost and garbage bins and feeding on fruit trees.

Security footage obtained by CTV shows a black bear appearing at one resident's home for three straight Mondays, dating back to Oct. 21.

It scours the area before retreating into the darkness.

On Halloween, the initial trap was removed as there had been no further sightings of the bear.

However, Fish and Wildlife say two traps were reset on Nov. 4 after the bear was spotted again.

"The trap will remain in place until the bear is captured or reports of sightings cease," Fish and Wildlife said in a statement to CTV News.

"Currently, the bear has not displayed aggressive or defensive behaviour, but it has shown signs of becoming food conditioned. As winter approaches, bears will soon enter hibernation, which may reduce bear activity in the area."

Mitchell Halduick has lived in the community for a couple decades.

He says wildlife such as coyotes, rabbits and cougars can be more common but bears generally stay in Fish Creek Provincial Park.

"Where houses and nature meet, if there's a real issue in the view of Fish and Wildlife or the authorities, then get a sign up sooner and a trap set up sooner," he said.

"Could someone in Fish and Wildlife, Fish Creek Park be more proactive in terms of at least putting signage up at a minimum and a bear trap if it's a really troublesome bear?"

Signs were posted on a walking trail, which is slightly hidden between two homes in a treed area.

"Other than a couple days ago, he was out Halloween and there was multiple sightings Halloween," said resident Lynda McCorquodale.

She says it's quite rare for bears to get close to homes.

"I've lived around here probably 27, 28 years. There (are occasions) that we've seen them or have heard of them, but nothing that's stayed for so long," she said.

Anyone who encounters dangerous wildlife in Alberta is asked to report it online or by calling 1-800-642-3800.