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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 SUMMARY
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park) For the period: June 18 to June 25, 2021
There is still a deep snow pack at higher elevations (especially in K-Country) which is why bears are more concentrated in the valleys - where most of their available food is located. People are primarily using the valley bottoms (where the bears are), resulting in a large number of sightings of both grizzly and black bears on both sides of the Bow Valley, including in residential areas, as well as down in K-Country. Take home lesson: Expect to run into a bear while out on the trails! Remember to make lots of noise, travel in groups (ideally four or more), keep pets on a leash, carry bear spray and be prepared to use it in case of a close encounter.
The Elk Calving Warning remains in effect for Canmore. Some elk calves are already mobile and moving around with less defensive mothers, however there continue to be other cow elk dropping their babies across town and showing aggression towards people who are getting too close! There have also been some deer fawns spotted around Canmore and mother deer will also aggressively defend their fawns, just like elk, so give them lots of space and don’t try to sneak past them.
Two cougars have also recently been seen in the Canmore area, likely drawn to town looking for an easy calf or fawn meal.
Photo by Susan Minifie
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Most mother elk have now had their calves and the youngsters are up and running around. Female elk will still aggressively defend their calves by kicking and charging at you if they feel threatened. The presence of calves also attracts predators such as bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes so be aware of your surroundings, even on popular and well visited trails around town and along the river. The best way to keep them at ease is to stay at least 30m away - which is three school bus lengths - never try to sneak past them! Stay on open trails instead of walking through dense vegetation, keep pets on a leash and always carry bear spray and be prepared to use it when recreating in the valley.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
In an effort to reduce conflict between bears and people in Canmore, the Town of Canmore is running their voluntary fruit tree removal incentive program again. Homeowners in eligible areas are invited to express their interest in participating in the program which will cover 50% of the cost of removal to a maximum of $300 if you use an arborist or tree removal service to remove your tree.
BEARS IN THE NEWS
A woman was attacked by a deer in Kimberley B.C. while out for a run.
A brown bear attacked multiple people in Japan during an eight-hour rampage that ended with the animal being destroyed.
Coyotes have been in the news in Calgary and one has been euthanized after biting and chasing people.
It also appears that residents have been feeding coyotes in NW Calgary, which could be contributing to the multiple recent coyote attacks in the area.
Food for Thought?
A reminder to hikers, campers and all people recreating to properly secure garbage and attractants! Wildlife that gain access to these unnatural food sources can lose their natural fear of people, which increases the probability of human-wildlife conflict. These animals can cause injury to people and pets and destroy property, resulting in wildlife being relocated or destroyed. Here is an article from 2019 at this time of year when a black bear gained access to unsecured food!
If a garbage bin is full, take your garbage to another bin! DO NOT leave it on the ground where it is accessible for wildlife! A fed bear is a dead bear and one lazy act could cost a bear its life! If you notice any garbage left outside of bear proof bins, or garbage bins that are full around town, please report this to the Town of Canmore at 403-678-1580.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
June marks National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Recent research has highlighted the benefits of Indigenous led conservation efforts, showing areas managed by First Nations communities tend to be healthier than other areas.
Projects like the Indigenous Guardians are gaining momentum as a way to empower First Nations and allow them to honour their cultural responsibility to care for lands and waters. They serve as the “eyes and ears” on traditional territories.
Taking Action: Arts Place has been running a number of programs for Indigenous People’s day (June 21st), including free creative kits for children that you can still pickup until 7pm, 25th June. Celebrate Indigenous culture by checking out this learning and activity guide that has games, activities and even recipes to try. Another great thing to do is to read up on the Indigenous history of the Bow Valley and Alberta, with both Café Books and the Canmore Museum stocking a great selection. Our top picks are: These Mountains are our Scared Places, Spirits of the Rockies, and The True Spirit and Original Intent of Treaty 7.
Official visuals for National Indigenous History Month, click the image to learn what the image elements represent
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