Alberta lifts ban on bear cub rehabilitation

EDMONTON — Alberta has lifted a ban on private rehabilitation of orphaned black bear cubs.

The ban, which had been in place since 2010, meant that bears orphaned in the province had to be killed or sent to zoos.

“Alberta’s orphaned black bear policy is based on the best available scientific research, modern rehabilitation practices, compassion for these animals and the safety of people,” Environment Minister Shannon Phillips said in a release.

“We want black bear cubs to grow up and thrive in the wilds of Alberta.”

The policy introduced Wednesday allows Alberta Fish and Wildlife staff to work with private facilities to allow the rehabilitation of black bear cubs that are less than a year old.

It includes a draft protocol that sets requirements for feeding, suitability of space, appropriate veterinary care and what kinds of interactions the bears have with people.

The policy comes after a couple of recent cases involving black bear cubs in the province.

Three cubs were found abandoned in a washroom along the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park a year ago.

They were sent to a the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario, because no Alberta facilities were permitted to take them.