UPDATE: The Taber Police Service has issued a correction about a bear sighting.
Initial reports suggested that video footage showed a bear in the Town of Taber shortly after midnight Thursday. However, police have confirmed that the submitted video is from a residence in the Crowsnest Pass.
Nonetheless, residents are still advised that as bears prep for hibernation, they are actively seeking out food and might be attracted to residential yards. Residents are encouraged to properly store away garbage and recycling, as well as items like fruit and vegetables, pet food and birdseed, which could attract bears.
ORIGINAL STORY
Residents are being reminded to secure potential food sources following a black bear was spotted in a backyard in the Town of Taber.
According to Taber Police Service officials, the spotting happened shortly after midnight Thursday. Police state the medium-sized black bear was captured on a residential security camera wandering through a backyard in the 6100 block of 55 Street.
Police advise that as bears prepare for hibernation, they actively seek food and can be attracted to residential areas by easily accessible food sources. This is prompting the reminder for residents to secure garbage, pet food, birdseed and other potential food sources. It is also urged that residents clean up fruit and other food items in their yards.
It is also advised that the community avoid leaving anything outside that could attract a bear and keep pets indoors or closely supervised when outside.
Anyone who sees a bear within the Town of Taber is asked to contact the Taber Police Service at 403-223-8991.
Officials state that Alberta Fish and Wildlife has been notified and is aware of the sighting.
