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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: OCT.1-8, 2021
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Happy Thanksgiving! With the upcoming long weekend, the trails and day use areas will likely be busy with visitors. It’s important that everyone remains vigilant and mentally prepared for possible encounters with bears and other wildlife, which are still very active in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country! Know before you go - find out where the trail warnings and closures are and make sure you know how to use your bear spray and where to carry it!
Bears continue to be in the news and they continue to be seen in residential areas on both sides of the Bow Valley! Five black bears have been trapped in Canmore over the past week, drawn into town by backyard fruit, as well as other attractants such as pet food, garbage, recycling and bird feeders.
Bears that gain access to these food sources in town can lose their natural fear of people, which increases the possibility of human-wildlife conflict. These bears can cause injury to people and pets, or destroy property, which results in bears being relocated or destroyed. Relocated bears generally have a fairly low chance of survival, which is further reduced in the fall just prior to denning.
A black bear in a backyard. Photo by Lisanne Mol.
Elk continue to be seen and heard bugling along trails and in wide open fields such as school yards and playing fields around town, which means you may have to choose an alternate route while out for a walk/run/ride. Parents need to have a conversation with their children about giving wildlife lots of space, not trying to sneak past wildlife on the trail and calmly leaving the area if they see elk or other wildlife on their commute to school.
Male elk are particularly protective of any female elk they are with, and may become aggressive towards anything that comes too close. Never get between a male elk and the female elk and keep pets on a leash. More information about elk encounters here.
Never approach elk to take pictures up this close as they are wild animals that need their space and can react unpredictably!
It is hunting season! Please be aware of your surroundings and stay clear of dead animals. Hunters should always carry and use bear spray as the first line of defense, even if they are carrying a gun.
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
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
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
A Whistler, B.C., resident was fined $60,000 for feeding black bears!
Five bears have been shipped out of Canmore.
Wildlife expert warns Canmore residents of bear danger, suggests removing fruit trees
More on the 5 bears trapped in Canmore - backyard fruit drew them into town!
Here are some things that hikers should bear in mind after the recent grizzly attacks.
Some great advice and learnings about sharing the landscape with bears from Whistler, B.C.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Please do your part in keeping wildlife WILD and outside of residential areas by removing attractants such as fruit (both on trees and on the ground), bird feeders, grease on barbecues, pet food and garbage from your yard. Many hands make light work, so if you have family or friends visiting this weekend, have them help pick the fruit from your yard. The fruit can be used to make delicious jams, jellies and baked goods and liqueurs!
If the barrier to you being able to remove your fruit is not having the right equipment, look no further! We have extendable fruit pickers and extendable pole saw pruners that can be borrowed free of charge (donations are welcome). Please send an email to resource@biosphereinstitute.org to make arrangements to borrow the fruit picking equipment.
In a continued effort to reduce conflict between bears and people in Canmore, the Town of Canmore has a wildlife attractant bylaw, and they are running a Voluntary Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program to help increase compliance. Learn more about both of these initiatives on their website.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Thank You Bow Valley! We are honoured to be voted the Best Environmental Program in Canmore and look forward to continue working together with all of you to keep people and wildlife safe.
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