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
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Bears have started to emerge from their dens and until the snow melts, we will be sharing the valley bottoms with them, so there is an increased chance of encountering wildlife. Bear activity is slowly increasing, with reports of bears moving around the Bow Valley and down in Kananaskis Country rolling in. Most reports are of people finding grizzly and black bear tracks in the snow or mud, but nothing of concern and the bears have not been causing any issues. You can expect sightings to 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.
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 being prepared to use it. To help get prepared for possible encounters with bears, make sure you come to Bear Day 2024 - learn bear safety skills, how to use bear spray and much more!
Bears are starting to emerge from their dens and have been seen in the Bow Valley. This photo was taken on April 11, 2024.
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
A “No Stopping Zone” along the Bow Valley Parkway is now in place to protect two bears that have been seen frequenting the area since April 2. The 320-metre no stopping zone is located between Baker Creek and Protection Mountain Campground in Banff National Park.
A safe wildlife viewing opportunity cannot be accommodated in this area and the no stopping zone has been put in place for the protection of people and wildlife. Parks Canada Law Enforcement can lay charges if motorists are not in compliance with the no stopping zone. Penalties can include a mandatory court appearance and maximum fine of $25,000.
Please do your part to help protect this special place by not feeding wildlife, obeying the no-stopping zone and all posted speed limits.
You can also submit your report using the Report-A-Poacher Online form or contact your local district Fish and Wildlife office.
BEAR DAY 2024!
Bear Day is this Saturday, April 20 from 9am-3pm at the Canmore Nordic Centre. To coincide with bears’ emergence from their winter dens, Alberta Parks and WildSmart are once again hosting Bear Day at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park’s Day Lodge. Note: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
This event is a celebration and welcoming of bears back on the landscape for another year. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the bears in our area and to refresh your bear safety knowledge and skills so you are prepared for the upcoming season.
Indoor and outdoor activities include bear spray demonstrations, bear safety talks, an urban-wildlife talk, a bear trapping demonstration, bear awareness hikes (registration required), kids’ bear storytimes and bear-related booths and displays. In attendance to chat with you about all things bears will be Alberta Parks Ecologists, Park Rangers and Interpretation staff, Conservation Officers, Fish and Wildlife Officers, Parks Canada Public Outreach, Town of Canmore, Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors and Bear Monitoring and Aversive Conditioning Volunteers.
This is a FREE family-friendly event! Activities begin at 9:00 am and end at 3:00 pm. In the event of inclement weather, the majority of activities will take place indoors.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
Since we are all sharing the valley bottoms at this time of year, there is an increased chance of encountering wildlife, and you need to be properly prepared! Always remain vigilant and remember these tips for responsible trail use and to reduce the risk of close encounters with wildlife:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Please help try to keep bears and other wildlife out of trouble by taking your bird feeders down for the season and cleaning up the ground underneath! The Town of Canmore Community Standards Bylaw only allows bird feeders to be hung from December 1 to March 31. Click here for details.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
'Potentially hazardous': Banff no stopping zone aims to protect bears and visitors.
New Canmore action plan will ‘pay dividends’ for wildlife.
No-stopping zone implemented in Banff to protect The Boss, Split Lip.
Elk charges, knocks cyclist off bike in Canmore.
Banff wildlife crews save distressed elk that fell through river ice.
Family of cougars caught on camera at Alberta cabin.
B.C. man who killed 2 black bears in yard had left beehive debris on property.
Bear cubs pulled from trees for selfies in North Carolina.
Public safety concerns prompt new bear spray regulations in Saskatchewan.
Vancouver police go undercover to crack down on bear spray sales and issue $20K in fines.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Wildlife Ambassadors Derek and Karen had a great time teaching Inclusion Program participants about our local wildlife and relevant wildlife safety at a recent 'Try Cross-Country Skiing" event at the Canmore Nordic Centre hosted by Settlement Services & Community Connections in the Bow Valley. With bears emerging from their dens, it is perfect timing to learn valuable wildlife safety information to help keep people and wildlife safe in the Bow Valley!
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley is seeking a Shift Program Lead who will lead our Shift: Climate Transitions program. The Shift Program Lead develops, implements, and manages our community education and engagement programs related to climate action and sustainability. The position builds and maintains relationships with diverse partners, and assists the Executive Director in identifying and securing funding opportunities.
This will be a full-time salaried position with benefits, to cover a maternity leave, and will end after 12 to 18 months. The position will be based out of our office in Canmore, Alberta; given the nature of this work, the successful applicant must be physically in our office or working in the Bow Valley community for the majority of the time.
If you are applying by email, please send your cover letter, resume, and work references as a single pdf to Tanya Pacholok (Tanya [at] biosphereinstitute.org) with ‘Application for Shift Program Lead’ in the subject line of the e-mail message. Application deadline: Wednesday 24 April, 2024
Upcoming Events
April 20 - Not the End of the World!
The Future Leaders Youth Council of the Biosphere Institute are calling on the youth of the Bow Valley! The free event, "Not the End of the World" takes place at the Banff YWCA on Saturday, April 20th from 12:30-10pm. The Youth Council invites others in grades 9-12 to participate in hands-on workshops, learn about actions for a better Earth, network with like-minded youth and celebrate the good in the world. Think: speakers, workshops, networking, an open mic and dance!
April 22 - Earth Talks: Eco-Education and Upcycling Adventures with Timberline Academy!
This Earth Talks event will take place on Monday, April 22nd in the Friends Program Room at 7:00pm in the Canmore Public Library.
This talk is FREE and registration is required to attend in-person - Click here to register now!
Attendees will learn about:
How local college students are engaging in the community
How to turn old socks, skis, and climbing gear into useful items!
How other people in the community need/want to reduce waste
After their presentation, there will be discussions around how we can reduce waste, barriers we may face when it comes to waste reduction, and what waste reduction programs, initiatives, events & services you want to see in our community!
For those who are not able to attend in-person, you can join online via Zoom by clicking here. (Registration is not required when viewing via Zoom).
There are also a variety of other events happening during Earth Week (April 20-27).
Click here for the full calendar of events.
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