Alberta Fish and Wildlife continue search for bear suspected in death of University of Calgary professor

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Alberta Fish and Wildlife have closed off a section of the Waiparous area, west of Calgary, as they search for a bear they believe killed a man overnight Tuesday.

“Officers are actively attempting to locate and trap the bear involved. The trails are clearly marked with signage and closure tape. Please do not enter the closure for your own safety. Under the Wildlife Act, it is unlawful to enter an area closed by a wildlife officer. This will be strictly enforced and people entering a closure area could be charged and fined,” Alberta Fish and Wildlife said in a post on Facebook post.

The victim in that suspected attack has been identified as 59-year-old University of Calgary professor, David Lertzman.

Lertzman was an assistant professor of Environmental Management and Sustainable Development at the Haskayne School of Business.

In Memoriam: Haskayne School of Business mourns loss of David Lertzman: https://t.co/ycNSzAqpvf pic.twitter.com/ztAbXgrgI1

— Haskayne School of Business (@HaskayneSchool) May 5, 2021

Haskayne posted a Memoriam for the former professor, saying “His energy made a lasting impact at the school.”

“David, was a friend to all, and a brother to many,” said Dr. Jim Dewald, dean, Haskayne School of Business in the memoriam. “David was a valued senior instructor who had worked with Haskayne since 2000, but truly he was so much more. He was our spiritual leader, our Indigenous connection and our sustainability hero.”

Wildlife officers are expected to keep the area closed until they are able to find and trap the bear involved.