Calgary

Different grizzly bears behind 2 attacks in Alberta foothills: wildlife office

Alberta Fish and Wildlife is confirming that different grizzly bears are behind a pair of fatal attacks near Calgary that claimed the life of a 68-year-old woman and a university professor.

DNA results show 2 different bears were involved in separate attacks, both believed to be mothers with cubs

Alberta Fish and Wildlife says DNA results confirm two different bears were responsible for two recent fatal attacks in Alberta. (Jim Urquhart/File/The Associated Press)

Alberta Fish and Wildlife is confirming that different grizzly bears are behind a pair of fatal attacks in the province's foothills.

Bear specialist Paul Frame says DNA analysis led to that conclusion.

The most recent attack occurred Tuesday evening as a woman was walking on her property near Water Valley, about 80 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

The first one happened May 4, about 25 kilometres away, when a man was out for a run.

Frame says both bears are believed to be mothers with cubs.

He says recent studies have shown grizzly numbers have begun to rebound and that human-bear encounters have become more likely to happen.

He urges anyone travelling or camping in bear country to go in a group, make noise and keep a clean campsite.