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 UPDATE (Nov.30-Dec.21, 2023)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
At least one grizzly bear has been active down in Kananaskis Country which prompted a Bear Closure in the Rawson Lake & Sarrail Ridge Area in the past couple of weeks. Here is an article about the large male grizzly out and about in K-Country. A cougar warning was also recently issued for the Paddy’s Flat Campground in the Elbow River Provincial Recreation Area as a cougar was reported following a person walking with dogs. These are both reminders that wildlife continues to be active, so all trail users need to carry bear spray year-round and know how to use it, make noise, travel in groups, keep pets on a leash and always be aware of their surroundings. We must never become complacent when heading out on the trails, and should always be mentally prepared for possible encounters with wildlife!
On behalf of the team at the Biosphere Institute, we would like to wish you Happy Holidays and thank you for your continued support!
We will continue to use this mailing list to send out any significant updates on wildlife activity as needed throughout the winter, as well as relevant WildSmart News and Events. Also keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and Instagram for updates on Bow Valley wildlife, events and educational resources throughout the winter.
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Map of the Bear Closure in the Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge Area in K-Country.
You can also submit your report using the Report-A-Poacher Online form or contact your local district Fish and Wildlife office.
Holiday Headlines - Wildlife in the News
Cougar warning issued for Kananaskis Country campground.
New wolf pack forms in Banff National Park.
As the world’s ‘polar bear capital’ waits for ice, bears are increasingly drawn into the streets.
Five craziest bear videos of 2023!
Skier narrowly avoids crashing into black bear at Heavenly ski resort in Tahoe.
Watch: ‘Beautiful’ sight as bears pass beneath skiers on chairlift.
Black bear euthanized after den hit at Imperial Oil site.
'We're just here for the polar bears': Calgarians flock to zoo as Wild Canada Zone reopens.
Curious B.C. bear checks out inflatable snowman ornament.
Bear steals reindeer decoration from Florida yard.
Photos of bear eating a whale showcase 'important part of the local food web': DFO.
Hungry Polar Bear Ambushes Seal.
Tofino man released from jail to appeal conviction for killing mother bear and cub.
Why polar bear encounters are spiking in a small Canadian town.
Bear attacks in Japan hit record high as hunger forces some to delay hibernation.
Adorable Polar Bear Cubs Hide and Squeal Behind Their Mom After Spotting Tiny Hare.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
A Holiday Decorating Guide for the Bow Valley
Holiday decorations, loose and low-hanging cords, lights, and wires can become tangled in the antlers of deer, elk, and moose which can be dangerous, causing injuries or exhaustion. If entangled, the animal is often unable to untangle from the obstruction itself. Residents and business owners should walk their property and remove items that could potentially result in a wildlife entanglement incident. To protect these animals:
Secure lights to buildings instead of trees (especially within 10 feet of the ground).
Ensure strings of lights are secured tightly to buildings so they don’t sag and avoid stringing lights between multiple trees or across open spaces.
Consider using cord-free decorations.
Use timers to conserve energy and preserve the night sky.
After the holidays, remove lights and decorations promptly.
Keeping wildlife wild is a shared responsibility. Let's make it a safe and happy holiday season for everyone, including our wildlife friends!
Click on image to read the full article - “A Holiday Decorating Guide for the Bow Valley” from last year’s December 2022 Mountain Real Estate Magazine.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Chocolate ‘Be Aware Bears’!
These yummy chocolate ‘Be Aware Bears’ make great stocking stuffers and you will be supporting our work! Made by Karen, a local chocolatier in the Bow Valley at Nest Wholefoods, these delicious chocolate bears bring together our love for chocolate and bears, hoping to bring more awareness to bears and that our actions matter!
🐻The Bears are 70% Organic fair-trade chocolate, vegan friendly, gluten free and are in compostable packages!
🐻10% of every chocolate bear sold will be donated to WildSmart, so by purchasing yours, you will be directly supporting our efforts to improve human-wildlife coexistence in the Bow Valley!
🐻The growing list of Bow Valley businesses supporting this initiative include Coast Canmore Hotel, Communitea Cafe, Valbella Gourmet Foods, Fairmont Banff Springs and Jolene's Tea House!
If you would like to buy or carry the 'Be Aware Bear' please contact Karen directly at info@nestwholefoods.com. On behalf of the bears in the Bow Valley, thanks for your support!
Giving Tuesday - Support our Future Leaders
Give the Gift of Impact this Holiday Season!
We are thrilled and humbled to announce that we have raised $7,565 of our $10,000 goal for the Future Leaders fundraising campaign! Thank you to all of our generous donors!
Could you help us reach our goal by December 25? Donate here and receive a tax-deductible receipt.
Looking for last-minute holiday gift ideas for that tough-to-buy-for person on your list? Make a donation in someone's honour and give them a Certificate of Appreciation. Email tanya@biosphereinstitute.org if you would like to receive a Certificate of Appreciation along with your donation.
#Banff is going #Reusable! Reusable Cup Program Launched
Exciting news! Banff and Lake Louise have launched their reusable cups program at the Wild Flour Café and Little Wild. Visit one of these participating locations to borrow your cup and help pave the way for this new program. Check out the Biosphere Institute's social media to learn more and see it in action!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan.15 - Wildlife Corridors in the Bow Valley: The Good, the Bad, and the Future
We are thrilled to announce our next Earth Talks event at the Canmore Public Library: "Wildlife Corridors in the Bow Valley: The Good, the Bad, and the Future" with Dr. Hilary Young, Director of Communities and Conservation, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.
This Earth Talks event will take place on Monday, January 15th in the Friends Program Room at 7:00pm.
This talk is FREE and registration is required to attend in-person - Click here to register now!
Attendees will learn:
What are wildlife corridors, why are they important, and why do I hear so much about them in the Bow Valley?
What characteristics must wildlife corridors have to keep wildlife populations healthy and resilient?
How do we keep our corridors functional in the face of future pressures?
For those who are not able to attend in-person, you can join online via Zoom by clicking here. (Registration is not required when viewing via Zoom).
Jan.20 - Winter Safety Day Returns!
Join Alberta Parks and The Friends of Kananaskis Country for this free event from 11am-3pm. There will be many things to do and see all surrounding winter safety. Experience how to read avalanche terrain, use a transceiver, how to build an emergency shelter, meet an avalanche dog, learn about winter animal tracks and much much more! WildSmart and the Wildlife Ambassadors will also be there to chat with folks about winter wildlife safety and responsible trail use. Click here to see all the groups and presenters who have confirmed their attendance so far.
There will be fun and learning for the whole family. Bring a travel mug to enjoy some hot chocolate.
Save the Date! Winter Safety Day Returns on January 20, 2023.
Feb.7-14 - Green Team Volunteers Needed!
As we all hop on the circular economy train, help us continue the moment of waste diversion and reduction by signing up as a Green Team Volunteer for the Alberta World Cup at the Nordic Centre (February 7-14, 2024).
Help us work toward a zero-waste event and reduce our carbon footprint by diverting as much waste as possible at this internationally attended event! We will have waste sorting stations throughout the site, both indoors and outdoors and we need folks who are passionate about our environmental impact and helping achieve our goals! Click here to sign up!
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