Bears are feasting on fruit from trees in Jasper townsite within Jasper National Park/Parks Canada

Parks Canada staff have successfully trapped a black bear family that had frequently accessed food sources in the Jasper townsite within Jasper National Park.

The bears were released into suitable habitat in a remote area of the Alberta park along the Icefields Parkway. The mother and two cubs were observed foraging on buffaloberries soon after release.

“Trapping, immobilization and release is stressful and risky for bears, particularly cubs,” the park said in a news release. “The bears relocated from Jasper townsite may now face new risks associated with being released into unfamiliar habitat that may already be occupied by other bears.”

Multiple black bears have been making use of the Jasper townsite, feeding on the abundant fruit on non-native fruit trees in greenspaces and yards.

One bear family has been relocated/Parks Canada

Human-wildlife conflict specialists have continued to respond to up to seven other black bears drawn to the townsite by fruit trees, using various hazing strategies. But these bears are extremely reluctant to leave, as fruit trees provide a high food reward as they prepare to hibernate. When moved only a short distance from town, they tend to come back almost immediately.

“The continuous presence of bears here, often in residential yards, is an unacceptable safety risk for visitors and residents,” Parks Canada says. “Bears living in constant proximity to people and residences have an increased likelihood of gaining access to human food or garbage, and of accidental aggressive physical encounters. Cubs reared on non-native fruit trees in the townsite will likely use the townsite themselves once they reach adulthood, which will result in a steady increase in the scale of the problem.”

Jasper residents are reminded to be vigilant and:

• Harvest all fruit, including chokecherries and fruit from mayday and apple trees.

• Consider removing fruit trees entirely.

• Remove attractants from yards and around homes, including pet food and bird feeders.

• Follow bear-safe practices, including hiking in groups, carrying bear spray and making noise to avoid surprise encounters.

• Keep your distance from bear traps, do not approach the traps, and respect closures around the traps. Closure areas will be clearly posted and marked.

• Report all bear sightings in Jasper townsite to Parks Canada dispatch at 780-852-6155.