Fatal bear attack prompts reminders of wildlife safety, gives insight into bear behaviour

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David Lertzman had gone for a run near his home Tuesday evening but never returned. RCMP found his body on the Moss Trail near Waiparous Creek on Wednesday morning and Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers believe he was the victim of a bear attack.

Though bear attacks do happen, Dr. Marco Musiani, a professor of biology at the University of Calgary, said this attack is odd for a couple of reasons.

“It’s a bit atypical to see attacks in this season . . . When you look at the statistics of bear attacks, the majority are in July and August with way less attacks in April and May,” he said. “Also, because the bears are just out of hibernation, they start eating little by little, more and more as the season progresses.”

Musiani added that although Lertzman was experienced in the outdoors, the fact that he was running alone may have contributed to the tragedy.