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BEAR ACTIVITY SUMMARY FOR THE BOW VALLEY
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park) For the period: April 10 to April 17, 2020
SUMMARY
More bears have started to emerge from their winter dens! Grizzly bears have been seen in various parts of Kananaskis Country, and some of them appear to be moving to higher elevations. This is somewhat unusual as they normally come down to lower elevations at this time of year.
Bears are not the only wildlife that you may encounter while outdoors. Wolves, bighorn sheep and many other animals are taking advantage of the peace and quiet and have been seen wandering along roads and trails in areas that are closed to public vehicle access. Here is a recent article from the Rocky Mountain Outlook about the Bow Valley wolf pack and their movement throughout the Bow Valley.
Be prepared for possible encounters with wildlife as you never know who or what you may encounter out on the trails!
When you are outside enjoying some fresh air close to home in your neighbourhood, please remain vigilant and remember these tips for responsible trail use and how to be bear aware:
Make lots of noise in order to alert humans AND wildlife to your presence.
GIVE THEM SPACE! Physical distancing is important for humans AND wildlife!
Look and listen for signs of wildlife and do not wear earbuds/headphones.
KEEP DOGS ON-LEASH unless you are in a designated off-leash dog area.
Give wildlife space by NOT entering closed areas!
Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location and be prepared to use it!
In honour of Bear Day (which was supposed to be tomorrow), please take a moment to welcome bears back on the landscape for another year and remember that it is time once again to be bear aware! Every year at Bear Day there are many great activities for the whole family to participate in. The bear spray demonstrations delivered by Conservation Officers and Fish and Wildlife officers are always a big hit. Since we had to cancel Bear Day, here is a great alternative for those who want to refresh their bear spray knowledge and skills.
CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Alberta’s Provincial Parks are closed to vehicle access until further notice. A complete list of all warnings and closures is available here for Alberta Parks in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country.
Parks Canada’s Parks are closed to vehicle access until further notice. A complete list of all warnings and closures is available here for Banff National Park.
Here is a list of some Annual Closures in Kananaskis Country.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
More often than not when a grizzly bear becomes habituated to human garbage, the story ends in the destruction of that animal. However in this recent landmark instance, Indigenous leaders and the Grizzly Bear Foundation intervened to relocate this individual back to mainland B.C. in an act that leaders view as an example of reconciliation.
To all the essential workers who who continue to keep us safe and healthy during the COVID-19 crisis, the Biosphere Institute team thanks you!
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