Did you know that WildSmart is a program of the Biosphere Institute, a local charity? Our work relies entirely on donations and sponsors. If you would like to support our community-based efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence, please donate!
The information below is based upon a compilation of bear information provided by government agencies and unconfirmed sightings reported by the public over the last week. It is not intended to be used as a real-time, complete record of where bears are in the valley.
BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (May 1, 2025)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
There are still a few collared grizzly bears in and near their dens, but other grizzly bears (and black bears) have been seen moving around on the landscape in Kananskis Country. At this time of the year, bears are emerging from their dens hungry, and are often found in the valley bottoms looking for food. This can result in an increased chance of encounters with humans as we too spend most of our time in the valley bottoms! As such, all recreationists should always be expecting to encounter bears and mentally plan for this, which includes carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Sightings will likely increase over the next few weeks as the weather gets warmer, more people head out on the landscape and more bears emerge from their dens.
Females with cubs will continue emerging from their dens in the coming weeks and they will be very protective of their young. It is very important to give these new mothers and their young, and ALL wildlife, lots of space, at least 100 metres (which is 10 school bus lengths)!
With the upcoming warm weather, the ditches along the highways will start greening up which is going to draw bears roadside looking for that green grass! Remember to obey speed limits and slow down if you see wildlife by the road, but please do not stop to view wildlife. Always remain in your vehicle and stay at least 100m away. Remember to obey all “No Stopping Signs” and if you see one animal be prepared to see more and adjust your speed accordingly. Other wildlife such as coyotes, deer, elk and sheep are also feeding roadside right now so extra caution is needed. Travel safely and help protect our wildlife (and yourselves) by slowing down, especially during dawn, dusk and night.
GB139 with 3 yearling cubs (they were born a year ago) - one of them is adopted. Photo taken in K-Country on April 30, 2025.
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Please be advised of an Area Closure for the west slope of Tunnel Mountain, south of the Tunnel Mountain Trail in Banff for elk calving season. All official trails in the surrounding area (Tunnel Mountain Trail, Surprise Corner and the Bow River Trail) remain open. This closure is intended to reduce human-wildlife conflicts by providing secure habitat for female elk during calving season which typically occurs from May 15th to June 30th. Elk mothers will aggressively protect their newborns by charging and kicking people! Serious injuries can occur.
You can also submit your report using the Report-A-Poacher Online form or contact your local district Fish and Wildlife office.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
Last week, we asked if you have checked to see if your bear spray is expired. If you checked and your bear spray is expired, you can drop it off in Canmore at the designated bear spray bin (pictured here) at the new Firehall on Palliser Trail! Remember to carry bear spray year-round in an easily accessible location, know how to use it and be prepared to use it. Bear spray should be carried while walking on well-travelled trails, including the trails in and around town. If you need to refresh your memory on the proper use of bear spray, we have an excellent video on our website here.
Drop your expired bear spray off in this dedicated bin at the new Firehall in Canmore.
In case you missed his talk last week, here is a link to the recording of the Bow Valley Naturalist’s presentation: Crossing Lines: Grizzly Bear Connectivity, Source–Sink Dynamics, and Highway Mitigation in the southern Canadian Rockies with Clayton Lamb. This talk explores how collar data, genetic analysis, and habitat modelling have been used to understand source-sink dynamics, identify critical connectivity corridors, and guide highway mitigation strategies to restore movement and reduce mortality.
WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM
Living and recreating safely in bear country means understanding many things, from signs that bears are around, to what to do in a bear encounter. As we wander in the wilderness (or even in town sites) we are travelling in a bear’s home: their living areas, dining areas, and even their bathrooms. Recognizing the food sources that bears are currently eating can help raise your awareness of the possibility that bears are around where you are at any given moment. In this series of articles each month, written by Derek Ryder, Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador & IGA Interpretive Guide, we’re going to look at what bears are eating right now, and for the next few weeks.
Bears are omnivores, but while they love the ability to get a good protein source like an elk or a deer, almost 80% of a bear’s diet is fruits and vegetables. This is true of both grizzly bears and black bears in the Bow Valley. Most people know that bears love berries, but it isn’t berry season in May. So what ARE bears eating this month? Research on bear diets clearly shows that an early season food source are the new, fresh shoots of the Horsetail family of plants. To a bear, all members of the Horsetail family are just good eats. Click here to read Derek’s full article about Horsetails!
Click on this image of Horsetails to read the full article!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Bears are especially hungry at this time of year and always searching for food so please do not draw them into residential areas, picnic areas or campsites by providing them with any sort of a meal. Keep them moving along by ensuring your yards and campsites are free of attractants such as food, garbage, recycling, pet food, greasy bbqs and bird feeders. For those who are not aware, the Town of Canmore has a Community Standards Bylaw, and residents can be fined for having Wildlife Attractants (such as garbage and bird feeders) that are accessible to wildlife in their yards.
Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program - Fruit trees attract bears into our neighbourhoods which puts people and wildlife at risk. Bears accessing fruit trees is the one of the main causes of bears needing to be relocated or killed in the Bow Valley. We are making Canmore safer for people and wildlife by reducing financial barriers to remove fruit trees.
The Town of Canmore is once again offering their Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program this year to cover 100% of costs of removal (up to $500 per property). This program is offered to remove wildlife attractants and reduce conflict between bears and people in Canmore. Don't wait for the fruit to start growing, remove them early.
Click here for details and how to apply. Applications are now open while funds are available.
Eligibility: Individuals who own a home or property located within the Town of Canmore.
Funding: 100% of the pre-tax cost of removal of the fruit tree(s) or bush(es) by an arborist or tree removal service up to $500/property. Program is first-come first-served while funds are available.
Quick aside: The next few weeks and suitable weather will determine the abundance of the buffaloberry crop this summer. The photo below was taken on May 2, 2025.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Black bear killed after attacking woman in Whistler, B.C.
What becoming a Bear Smart community could look like for Revelstoke, B.C.
Polar bear attacks and injures skier in Nunavut national park.
Connecticut family films unbelievable footage of bear using playset slide.
‘We need to do something’: Saskatoon police considering bear spray bylaw.
Mother bear and cub caught on video prowling for food in Kelowna neighbourhood.
Bear attack survivor in Montana: ‘I knew my jaw was gone’.
Video shows man narrowly escaping a charging polar bear in Norway.
Man saves dog from cougar attack in Olympic National Forest.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
We are beyond grateful to call Tracy and Sauvage our friends. Their generosity doesn't stop at the table. They recently helped us secure a sponsorship and generous donation from a local philanthropist, fueling the Biosphere Institute’s ongoing work for a more sustainable Bow Valley.
Thank you, Sauvage, for believing in what we do and for continuing to nurture both people and planet, one incredible meal at a time. If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out Sauvage Restaurant in downtown Canmore (just behind the Biosphere office), not just for a meal, but for a truly unique and remarkable experience. Their thoughtful, ever-changing menu reflects a deep commitment to local foraging, our community, and the earth!
Volunteer at our Casino Fundraiser!
Our organization has a wonderful opportunity to raise significant funds to support our fabulous programs! We are writing to ask that you (and possibly your partner, other adult family members, etc) consider volunteering at our upcoming Casino. The casino will be held on Thursday May 29 and Friday May 30 at the newly renovated and popular ACE Casino Blackfoot in Calgary.
What’s in it for you?
All volunteers receive free accommodation at the lovely Hotel Blackfoot, plus meals and travel costs are covered! It’s a great way to support a local cause, meet like-minded people, and enjoy a night or two away — all while making a real difference.
No experience is needed — just a willingness to help out and we’ll provide everything you need. Shifts are available during the day, evening, and early morning, and you’re welcome to sign up for more than one shift (as long as it's for the same role). We still have 21 volunteer spots to fill, and we’d love for you — and maybe a partner, friend, or adult family member — to join us. Click here to learn more about the roles available.
Ready to sign up? Just click the link below to see available shifts! Thank you for considering this opportunity to support local environmental action — we truly couldn’t do it without you!
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 4 - Not the End of the World Concert & Open Mic
Not the End of the World is an event that highlights the very real feelings of eco-anxiety, and climate related grief that we all know too well. This open mic/concert night will engage community members by coming together to enjoy live music while learning what the Biosphere Institute’s Future Leaders Youth Council is all about. Special performances by The Ducks, Irene Poole, and Digital Hobo! Light snacks provided. This event is free for youth (24 and under) and by donation for everyone else. Click here to Register Now!
Join the Town of Canmore and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 4-9pm at Elevation Place for a fun and educational Share and Repair Fair promoting a circular economy Canmore. This is a FREE community event that includes a free clothing swap, light snacks, live music, on-site repairs, workshops, a trash pageant, prizes, and more!
To learn more - click here now! You can RSVP for free to save your spot and be entered to win a prize! Further questions, comments or concerns? Contact tanya@biosphereinstitute.org
May 11 - The Great Rain Barrel Sale!
Now you can do your part to practice water conservation! Rain barrels help our precious water resources go farther - and help you avoid costly utilities bills as you water your garden. Thanks to Canadian Tire and EPCOR, we’re selling rain barrels at subsidized cost to help you harvest rainwater and reduce your impact on municipal water systems. Sales are first come, first serve. Cost: $80+GST Sunday 11 May (Mother’s Day!) from 9am-2pm at the Canadian Tire Garden Centre in Canmore.
Here is a photo of the Rain Barrels on sale on May 11!
Please remember BEARS CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
Report any sightings of a bear, cougar, wolf or any aggressive wildlife in Kananaskis Country or the Bow Valley to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403.591.7755