A young black bear that was roaming around the west side of Cranbrook Wednesday morning got too close for comfort and had to be put down for safety reasons, according to Cranbrook RCMP

“While the outcome is unfortunate for the bear, public safety, especially for children in the area, was the deciding factor in taking immediate action,” said Inspector Brian Edmondson, officer in charge of the Cranbrook RCMP detachment.

The bear was spotted early in the morning on Hill Avenue near King Street and the incident reported to police but by the time the police arrived it was gone. A little later in the day, the wandering bruin was spotted several more times and Conservation Officers called in.

It was finally seen in Pop Price Park near a children’s playground and put down by a CO.

The CO really had no choice in the matter, said Environment Ministry Senior CO Sgt. Joe Caravetta in a phone interview from Fernie. “He had been killing rabbits, chasing horses and had a history,” Caravetta said.

“Then when he got on a public school ground (Pinewood Elementary), that was enough. He had to be put down.”

Caravetta said more sightings of bears could be expected in the coming weeks as the hungry omnivores try to fatten up before they go into hibernation. The berry season was a “little bit less” than previous summers and wasn’t helped by a cold spring, Caravetta said.

“We’re starting to get a few more calls about bears,” said Caravetta, adding that bears all over the region are active now eating huckleberries and looking for other ways to get a sugar high and put on some fat for another long winter.

As a result CO’s are bracing themselves for more calls and investigations until the region’s bear population find themselves warm digs to spend the cold winter nights.

The latest bear incident in town follows another one Monday when a sow grizzly and two cubs were seen wandering in the Southview neighbourhood at the top of 14th Avenue.

But after being spotted at several locations around the Southside, Mama Grizzly and her cubs wandered away and escaped potential destruction. If you see a bear and feel public safety is at risk, you can call the wildlife “hot line” at 1-877-952-7277.