Did you know that WildSmart is one of three programs 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 (May 16-23, 2024)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Grizzly and black bears continue to be seen along trails, roads and in residential neighbourhoods on both sides of the valley. Some family groups of bears have also been spotted regularly in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, so be extra vigilant and make sure to give these mothers and their cubs lots of space as they are particularly protective of their young! Giving them space also includes slowing down but not stopping when passing bears feeding roadside, and always staying in your vehicle when taking pictures. This increase in bear activity has resulted in several warnings and closures to be posted this past week:
Bear Closure: Peter Lougheed Paved Bike Path from Lower Lake Campground to Mount Sarrail Campground due to bear activity in the area.
Bear Warning: Kananaskis Country Golf Course including the parking lots, Club House, maintenance compound, and other buildings due to multiple bears frequenting the area both grizzly and black.
Moose Warning: West Bragg Creek Day Use Area and Long Distance Trail due to a moose that charged an individual walking their dogs.
Bear Warning: Canyon Creek Road off of the Ing's Mine Trailhead due to a black bear that bluff charged a cyclist.
Black bear in a Bow Valley backyard this past week on May 20, 2024.
Elk Calving Season is underway and reports of aggressive charging elk cows have started coming in. People need to be extra vigilant of mother elk that will be hiding their calves in dense vegetation near parks, fields and trails. Mother elk can become very defensive and will aggressively protect their calves by kicking and charging at you if they feel threatened. Never approach elk for any reason! The best way to keep them at ease is to stay at least 30m away - which is three school bus lengths, and never try to sneak past them!
The presence of newborn calves can also attract predators such as bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes into town who are looking for an easy meal. Do not touch or remove young calves if they are found in the woods! Newborns will spend much of their time alone in their early days and will appear lifeless in order to avoid detection by predators. Their mother is not far away. Always carry bear spray, be prepared to use it and keep your pets on a leash. Bear spray should be carried while recreating on the local trails in and around Canmore!
A man was killed by a mother moose in Alaska this past week as he was trying to take close up photos of her newborn calves. GIVE ALL WILDLIFE SPACE, especially ungulates such as elk, moose and deer who are having their babies right now!
Mother elk and their calves are frequently found along busy trails in Canmore and are often not even seen by the people walking right past them! (As shown in this photo taken on May 24, 2023 near the boardwalk in Canmore).
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
A reminder to please report any sightings of a bear, cougar, wolf or any aggressive wildlife in the Bow Valley or K-Country to Kananaskis Dispatch at 403-591-7755. They prefer to get the reports first hand from the people who actually see the wildlife!
Bears and other animals like elk, deer and sheep continue to be found feeding on green grass and dandelions along roads, highways and trails. Roadside vegetation is some of the first to green up at this time of the year and fulfills important habitat needs for these animals. This results in a higher risk for vehicle collisions with wildlife. Remember to obey speed limits and slow down when passing wildlife, but don’t stop, and always stay in your vehicle! Give bears at least 100m of space at all times!
Mother grizzly bear and cubs roadside in K-Country.
Message to Cyclists: Considering riding on Highway 40 past the closure gate to Highwood Pass while the road is closed? When you hit the gate, you're going to see this sign (shown below) that was recently put up by Alberta Parks staff. Please take a moment or two to read it and pay attention to the advice and warnings. FYI: today, the road is snow covered past Elbow Pass parking lot.
Areas along this section of highway provide critical early season habitat for bears. Encounters are likely.
Travel in a group
Carry bear spray, keep it accessible and know how to use it
Dogs MUST be on a leash
If you encounter a bear, stay 100m away and return to your vehicle
If the bear is between you and your vehicle, retreat and wait for the bear to move into the forest or for a larger group to assemble (minimum of four adults). Then continue past the bear on the opposite side of the road, without stopping
Report all bear sightings when able to Kananaskis Dispatch at: 403-591-7755
WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM
Wildlife Ambassador Karen is back with some important reminders about Elk Calving season!
WEEKLY WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WHEREABOUTS
In case you have not seen them yet, our amazing Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors have been heading out onto trails and trailheads! You can find them talking to people about responsible trail use and staying safe while recreating in bear country. Last weekend they were out at the Highway 40 Road Closure near Highwood Pass and in Canmore near the Engine Bridge. Note: the locations they are stationed at may change at the last minute.
May 25 & 26 - 2024 Women's Soap Run at the Canmore Nordic Centre
Keep an eye out for the Wildlife Ambassadors next time you are out on the trails in the Bow Valley and K-Country and be sure to say ‘hi’ and have a chat with them!
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Parks Canada implements legal no-stopping zone to protect rare white grizzly bear and cubs.
A 36-year-old man was attacked by adult grizzly bear near Elkford, B.C.
Wolves, grizzlies, cougars use wildlife corridor north of Banff train tracks.
Black bear bluff charges cyclist in Kananaskis Country.
Aggressive moose charges dog walker in Kananaskis Country.
Hiker attacked by grizzly in Grand Teton National Park played dead in surprise encounter.
Washington family comes face to face with a cougar in their backyard.
Winnipeg's Wildwood bear tranquilized and relocated outside city.
Black bear in distress spotted in Sudbury Ont. with plastic container stuck on its head.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program - The Town of Canmore is once again offering their Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program this year to cover 100% of costs of removal (up to $500 per property). This program is offered to remove wildlife attractants and reduce conflict between bears and people in Canmore. Don't wait for the fruit to start growing, remove them early.
Eligibility: Individuals who own a home or property located within the Town of Canmore.
Funding: 100% of the pre-tax cost of removal of the fruit tree(s) or bush(es) by an arborist or tree removal service up to $500/property. Program is first-come first-served while funds are available.
Click here for details and how to apply. Applications are now open while funds are available.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Canmore Brew Co. June Charity Tap!
Throughout the month of June, our friends at the Canmore Brewing Company will be donating 50% of the profits of their featured charity tap to the Biosphere Institute! We are so grateful for this partnership and look forward to hosting a few events there throughout the month:
Clean Commute Challenge! Every day in June that you cycle, walk, take public transit, or use any other form of low-carbon transportation, tag us to be entered to win a draw for some awesome prizes, including a night for two at the Chateau Lake Louise Fairmont, a $200 gift certificate to Basecamp Resorts, and some local swag!
Songs for Climate Concert Fundraiser - Saturday June 8 from 6:30-8:30pm featuring the talented Digital Hobo and Marten Borch (Tickets by donation at the door)
Make your own herb garden workshop - Tuesday June 18 from 7-8:30pm (Registration required)
Current Opportunities
The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley is hiring a Community Engagement Intern that will support a variety of our programs and events throughout the summer in the beautiful Bow Valley! This will be a full-time position from July 2-August 30, 2024 (flexible). Click here for the full job description and eligibility requirements!
To apply for this position, please send a single pdf file containing a cover letter and resume to tanya@biosphereinstitute.org before midnight on June 2, 2024 with “Community Engagement Intern Application” in the subject line of the email.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 1 - Calgary Search and Rescue Outdoor Show
Our amazing Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors will be at this great event in Calgary with their hands-on interactive wildlife display! Come on by and learn how to use bear spray and chat with them about responsible trail use and how we can all work together to improve human-wildlife coexistence!
June 1 - Green Buildings Open House
This year’s Green Buildings Open House tour has ten homes across the Bow Valley, including Passive House construction, deep energy retrofits, geo-exchange systems, biomass district energy and a net zero home. All that along with solar, electric vehicles and more!
Bring your friends; we’ll see you on the FREE tour on Saturday, June 1 from 11am-4pm! View the properties and plan your tour by clicking here!
This is an open-house tour. When the homes are open, you can make your own way there, and the homeowners and volunteers will show you around. You do not need to register in advance for the tour unless you wish to tour the Spring Creek site in Canmore, where registration for a specific tour time is mandatory. Register for a Spring Creek specific tour time here!
Volunteers Needed: Green Buildings Open House
In addition to hosting the event, we are still looking for volunteers for a variety of responsibilities at the Green Buildings Open House event. Click the button below to find out more and sign-up!
June 2 - Family Bear Aware in banff
The Town of Banff is hosting a Family Bear Aware Session on Sunday, June 2 from 1-3pm at the Banff Recreation Grounds. This hands on program will provide you and your family with the information that will prepare you to travel safely in bear country. You will learn about the general characteristics and habits of bears, how to use bear spray and how to enjoy exploring our local trails while being bear prepared. Cost is $5 but is free for Banff residents. Register here online.
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 Dispatch at 403.591.7755