Recent reports have been coming in regarding sightings of a grizzly bear and two cubs in the Springbank area.

Jay Honeyman, Alberta Environment and Parks, Human Wildlife Conflict Biologist, says the bears have been in the area for the past week or so, with more movement being seen at dawn or dusk. Although the trio of bears is concerning they are not posing any great risk.

"We just wanted to give people a heads up that they are in the area and if people can look after securing any unnatural food services that they might be attracted to because we don't want them getting into things like garbage, bird feed, and those sorts of things."

Honeyman shares that although the Cochrane area seems to have had more bear sightings this year, he is not sure it means there are more bears.

"I think this year there were a couple of bears being seen by a bunch of different people and getting into some trouble and I think it got a little more media attention as a result. I am not sure there are more bears, having said that, I think it is fair to say we are getting reports of sightings in some cases a little further east than in what we've traditionally called 'grizzly bear habitat' along that Highway 22 corridor."

To keep bears at bay, Honeyman, says they are really pushing the idea of securing attractants so we aren't attracting them into more developed areas.

"Attractant management is a huge deal when it comes to bears. In areas like Cochrane, Bragg Creek, and Springbank we've always had black bears there, we are seeing a little more grizzly bear activity now, so we've always been trying to promote the idea of proofing your garbage, not having bird feeders out, having grain in a secure grainery, electric fence for chicken coups and beehives, that kind of thing, so bears can't access unnatural attractants."

For more ways on how to keep your property safe, you will find it here.

If you are concerned for public safety due to bear activity or find them presenting in more developed urban areas you are asked to call Report a Poacher, for all other sightings you can call the local Alberta Fish and Wildlife office at 403-932-2388.