Fish and Wildlife officers are asking for public tips after several illegal bear baiting barrels were found in the Bearberry area northwest of Sundre last week.
Although black bear baiting is allowed in some places in the province, it is not permitted in the wildlife management unit 318 where the barrels were found, said Sundre-Olds Fish and Wildlife officer Adam Mirus.
Grizzly bear baiting is not allowed anywhere in the province.
The 45-gallon metal drums seized last week had rough holes cut in the sides and were partially filled with grain.
“We are looking for help from any member of the public, oilfield workers, recreational users of the West Country. If they see vehicles that have 45-gallon drums in the back or if they see people pulling drums into the forest, they should notify us,” said Mirus.
“Most of the West Country is banned from baiting because it attracts grizzly bears as well as black bears.”
Under current regulations, baiting is prohibited within 1.6 kilometres of occupied dwellings, and all bait sites must have a readily observable sign legibly showing the owner's name and other required information.
As well, every bait site must include nearby signage warning people of its presence.
The barrels are typically chained or otherwise secured to a nearby tree or trees.
Anyone finding a bear bait barrel in the wilderness area around Sundre is being asked to call Report-A-Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.
The program offers rewards of up to $2,000, and tipsters can remain anonymous.
