Members of Alberta Environment and Parks presented to The Cochrane Ecological Institute September 11 to discuss the fate for two vulnerable bear cubs, Charlie and Maskwa.   Currently, Alberta Environment and Parks is planning on forcing an early release of these cubs, despite the fact they have absolutely no evidence that this is ethical practice for the survival of these bears.  In fact, the Alberta government is choosing to treat the release of these cubs like an "experiment".   Alberta Environment and Parks is not concerned with the fact that over 40,000 people disagree with their plan, and would prefer to continue their practise without having to be accountable to Albertans.   For the last 8 years, orphans have been shot by Fish and Wildlife without a second thought.   Albertans made it clear, they want change and they care about Alberta Wildlife.   Is the recent death of a black bear cub (older than 8 months) recently released to the back country in Banff National Park not enough proof that these cubs are at high risk for succumbing to predation?  Why is the Alberta Government adamant about releasing these cubs during hunting season?  In Canada, at least 6 of 7 Provinces permit overwintering of young of the year bear cubs.  In the United States, the release policy for overwintering cubs of the year with a spring, summer, or later release (18 months to 34 months) is carried out in 30 States.

Please continue to share the plight of Charlie and Maskwa.

Thank you!