By Sheena Roszell

Wildlife officials investigate after dead black bear found north of Debolt

Sep 28, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Fish and Wildlife are investigating after a young black bear was found dead north of Debolt on Highway 676.
 
Government Spokesperson Brendan Cox says there were no gunshot wounds on the bear and it’s possible the animal was hit by a vehicle.
 
“The bear’s jaw is destroyed, and its front right leg is shattered,” he explained.
 
The black bear was reported to Fish and Wildlife Thursday evening and Cox believes it had been there for three or four days.  He estimates the bear was about a year and a half old. 
 
Cox says they have not received any reports of a second bear found dead in the same area.
 
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Valleyview district office at 780-524-3605 during business hours or the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
 
In the meantime, the investigation continues after two grizzly bears were found shot dead south of Grande Prairie, just days apart.
 
Cox says they are relying on tips from the public to help identify the person or persons responsible.

“The info that we’re getting from the public is certainly helping, so I’d like to thank people for that.  And the investigation is ongoing.”

Those with information on the grizzly bear shootings can also call the Report A Poacher line or Grande Prairie Fish and Wildlife at 780-538-5265.