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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.29-Nov.5, 2021)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
There has been a decrease in bear sightings in the Bow Valley even though they are still out on the landscape. According to GPS collar data, three female grizzly bears entered their den sites in late October. If the weather warms up we might see them stick their heads out but largely the females are in or near denning. That being said, there are non-collared bears still out and about searching for last minute calories, and in the last week there were two grizzly bear sightings in Kananaskis Country. As you can see, despite the wintery weather grizzly bears are still up, and camera and collar data have shown that some males like to stay out on the landscape into mid December.
With this in mind, it is important that we do not become complacent when heading out on the trails and that we are mentally prepared for possible encounters with wildlife! Remember to carry bear spray in an easily accessible location (not in your backpack), know how to use it and use it if required. Bear spray should be carried year-round and is also effective against wildlife which are active year-round such as cougars, wolves, coyotes and elk. It should be carried along well-traveled trails in and around town.
Elk rutting season is winding down but numerous elk continue to be seen all throughout town which means you have to be alert and you may have to choose an alternate route while out for a walk/run/ride. Give plenty of space to ALL ELK (at least 30 metres or 3 bus lengths) and do not try to sneak past them on the trail! Keep your pets on a leash and if an elk charges (usually because you are much too close), be prepared to use your bear spray. Try to move behind a large object (e.g. car, large tree) and keep the object between you and the elk.
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
Every time you head out on the trails you need to be vigilant and mentally prepared for possible encounters with wildlife! It is also safer to hike, bike, run, or ski in a group. Make lots of noise when out on the trails, and avoid recreating at dusk, dawn or at night which is when cougars and other wildlife are most active. Be aware of your surroundings by periodically checking behind you to make sure there are no animals following you and by not wearing earbuds/headphones, which will limit your ability to hear approaching wildlife.
Even though the bears have or will enter their dens soon, there are still many species that do not hibernate (i.e. cougars, wolves, coyotes, deer and elk) that you need to be aware of and prepared to encounter while out on the trails.
A cougar family caught on camera at this time last year. Photo courtesy of Alberta Environment and Parks.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Conservation officers had to kill a black bear previously shot with rifle in a Kootenay town.
14 bear deaths in Tofino this year is the worst they have ever seen it. A perfect storm of increasing conflicts between bears and humans.
Give B.C. bears a break by giving them space.
Cougar kill close to town in Banff prompts closure.
Here are five things you never knew about polar bears.
Read about how tracking grizzly bears is helping veterans find their way back from trauma.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
If you have not already done so, please dispose of your pumpkins properly and do not leave them outside, inviting them to get smashed up by pranksters or eaten by wildlife. In Canmore, pumpkins should be disposed of in the bear-proof Community Food Waste Containers. Remember to remove candles and other non organic decorations!
Please dispose of your pumpkins properly. DO NOT leave them out in your yard!
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
A recent article discussed a new Federal Grizzly Bear Management Plan that will be completed through collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and the province of B.C. The hope is to engage with local Indigenous communities and learn more about their historical and ongoing relationship with Grizzly Bears. It is great to hear that they will be taking a different approach from the past by including Indigenous Knowledge in recovery plans to protect the species.
They are proposing future workshops for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis populations to share their knowledge in how to best preserve and protect Grizzlies. Three workshops will be executed, asking two key questions to participants:
How do human actions and natural factors in Canada affect Grizzly Bears currently, in the past or in the future?
What actions by individuals and communities are needed in a management plan that would create a more respectful understanding toward being good stewards for Grizzly Bears?
Photo courtesy of Jamin Mulvey.
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