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 SUMMARY (APRil 1-8, 2022)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
This past week a bear was seen in the Bow Valley and bear tracks continue to be seen out on the landscape in the Bow and Kananaskis Valleys. As bears emerge from their dens, and since we will all be sharing the valley bottoms for the next few months, there is an increased chance of encountering wildlife. To help you get prepared for possible encounters with bears, make sure you check out all the amazing bear-related resources we will be posting during virtual bear week (April 9-16).
There was another cougar sighting this week in the Three Sisters Area, likely drawn in by the prescence of deer and elk in developed areas. Remember to give ALL wildlife lots of space, walk/hike/run/bike in large groups, make lots of noise and carry your bear spray year round! Question: Have you checked to see if your bear spray is expired?
This can of bear spray is expired and should be replaced with a new one!
You can also submit your report using the Report-A-Poacher Online form or contact your local district Fish and Wildlife office.
VIRTUAL BEAR WEEK
Virtual Bear Week starts tomorrow at 10am and will run from April 9-16. We will be posting a variety of bear themed resources twice a day at 10am and 7pm. The content will include important safety tips, fun videos for the kids (and adults), videos and articles about current local research and some content that will hopefully get you thinking about how you can help improve human-wildlife coeixtence. View our daily releases on our event page, and on social media via Facebook and Instagram.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
WildSmart was on Global TV this week to talk about being bear aware now that bears are starting to emerge from their dens.
Great article in the Globe and Mail about the effect of increased human-use of trails and recreation on human-wildlife coexistence in the Bow Valley.
There was another cougar attack on a large dog near Victoria, B.C. This recent string of cougar incidents (even happening in backyards) has prompted a warning for pet owners.
The brown bear population in the Pyrenees Mountains (Spanish/French border) is the highest in the past century.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Another reminder to 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 Wildlife Attractant Bylaw only allows bird feeders to be hung from December 1 to March 31. Click here for details.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Some pawsitive news for the safety of people and wildlife in the Bow Valley! A new wildlife overpass over the Trans Canada Highway will allow animals in the area to cross safely and avoid collisions.
The overpass will be constructed in the Bow Valley, near Lac Des Arcs. This project is the first wildlife overpass outside of Banff National Park. The overpass will include 12 km of wildlife fencing. Construction will begin April 4 and should be complete by fall of 2023.
Follow this link for more details.
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