Two grizzlies illegally shot near Sundre as province hunts for suspect
Two male grizzly bears were killed on the same day along Highway 734 near Sundre, northwest of Calgary. Police believe both were shot on June 13.
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Alberta Fish and Wildlife is investigating the illegal shooting of two grizzly bears on the same day near Sundre, about 100 kilometres northwest of Calgary.
Both male bears, weighing 200 to 300 pounds and three to four years old, were believed killed on June 13 along Highway 734 in an area called Rig Street. Someone reported hearing a gunshot that evening and spotted a black 2003–2006 Chevrolet Crew Cab Duramax diesel truck with tinted windows and a loud exhaust heading north at high speed.
No parts were extracted from the carcasses. Grizzly bears are a threatened species in Alberta under a hunting moratorium in place since 2006, though the province has allowed qualified private hunters to shoot problem grizzlies under a limited program.
John Clarke, a former Alberta Fish and Wildlife officer now running a bear safety consultancy, said investigators will likely search for a suspect with a personal motive—possibly a rancher whose livestock was killed by a bear, or someone who had a frightening encounter. "This is vindictive, someone's mad at something," Clarke said.
Anyone with information can call the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or file a report online at alberta.ca/report-poacher.
