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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 (Nov.17-24, 2022)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
There certainly are still bears moving about on the landscape looking for food, as a grizzly bear has been seen in the past week near the Banff East Park Gates/Harvie Heights area in the Bow Valley. Some grizzly bears are still preparing to enter their dens and they have one thing on their mind: food, food and more food! They may be distracted while they forage, so it’s especially important to stay bear aware out on the trails and carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise, travel in groups, and check for bear advisories and closures before you go. With this in mind, it is important that we don’t become complacent when heading out on the trails and that we are mentally prepared for possible encounters with wildlife!
A cougar warning was posted earlier this week for the Montane Traverse Trail, Northeast of Harvie Heights due to a cougar that is actively feeding on a deer carcass in the area. Cougars will stash a carcass and continue to return to it over a period of several days. Remember to also keep your dogs on a leash and be aware of your surroundings when using the trails. Learn more about handling cougar encounters.
Archive photo of a cougar, courtesy of Alberta Environment and Parks
The elk rut is over 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! Never approach elk for ANY reason and keep your pets on a leash.
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
Cougars are mentioned several times in this bear report, as well as in this article about a runner who was followed by a cougar near Victoria, B.C. It brings up some good reminders to consider when recreating during the winter months. Trail users should carry bear spray year-round, try to recreate in a group (as opposed to going out alone) and try to recreate during daylight hours as cougars are most active at dawn, dusk and at night. This can be tricky during the winter months as darkness comes earlier than usual...all the more reason to carry a good head-lamp and do your best to go out in a group as there is safety in numbers! It is also best to keep your dogs on a leash and if you are not able to do that, consider leaving them at home to give tired elk and deer some peace and quiet and time to recover from the busy and stressful rutting season.
It is important to know about, and respect seasonal closures in Banff National Park, the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country. Seasonal closures are put in for a variety of reasons including but not limited to: giving willdife space for feeding, breeding and allowing them to thrive and survive, to protect critical habitat for different species, to reduce the level of human activity in important areas such as wildlife corridors and protecting and preventing damage to trails in certian areas.
For example, this Annual Trail Closure at Pigeon Mountain runs from December 1 - June 15 in order to protect critical winter range for elk and bighorn sheep.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Article from Kimberley, B.C. about how bears there have not all denned up yet so residents need to continue to properly manage wildlife attractants.
A cougar warning remains in place in Harvie Heights near Canmore.
A runner was followed by a cougar in Colwood Park, B.C. (near Victoria).
A Californian mountain biker has a stand-off with a cougar that was caught on video.
Remember to lock your vehicle to avoid bears breaking in while following their noses.
Here is a great article about how to ethically photograph wildlife in Jasper National Park.
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!
These images are collected by the Alberta Parks Ecology Research Cameras in Kananaskis. Many thanks to Alberta Environment and Parks for sharing these great photos, and to the many volunteers (several of whom are also Wildlife Ambassadors) who service the cameras and catalogue the literally millions of photos taken each year. You never know what animals you might run into on the trails!
Porcupine out for a walk. Photo courtesy of Alberta Environment and Parks.
Grizzly bear just cruising. Photo courtesy of Alberta Environment and Parks.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Wildlife photography can be an inspiring experience but when it is done poorly, it can pose a threat to the wildlife subject matter being photographed. It is very important for photographers to understand what ethical wildlife photography and viewing looks like. Wildlife photographers have a special responsibility to avoid contributing to the habituation of animals, respecting the wildlife’s space and viewing from a safe distance, and following the local rules, regulations and directions at all times.
Tourism Jasper published an excellent blog by Wildlife Photographer Seth Macey which provides great information and best practices on how photographers (both amateur and professional) can be less impactful on animals and their habitat. As the author Seth Macey states, “A great photo is never worth the expense of a wild animal’s quality of life.”
Photo by Seth Macey
Public Engagement for the Report on the Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot 2017-2022
Help guide the discussion for the future of plains bison in Banff National Park! The public engagement program for the Report on the Plains Bison Reintroduction Pilot 2017-2022 has launched. Parks Canada is seeking Indigenous, stakeholder, and public feedback on the draft report to help determine next steps for bison management over the next ten years and beyond.
The public comment period will run from November 9, 2022, to December 14, 2022. During engagement, Canadians will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about the reintroduction pilot, provide comments on the draft Report, and about the future of bison in Canada’s first national park.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
For those who can’t sleep at night, laying awake wondering about the legend of the Yeti, the mystery has been solved! This newly published study is the first to offer clear photographic evidence of the presence of Tibetan brown bears in Nepal.
The Tibetan brown bear that Chetri spotted in the mountains. Image courtesy of Madhu Chetri.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Y2Y Wild Film Fest: Breaking Barriers | A free virtual film fest
On Friday, November 25th, join Y2Y for a virtual film festival that will educate, entertain and inspire you in your love of nature and the outdoors. Immerse yourself in barrier-breaking films about people and nature that show how important our connection the living world is.
Enjoy three films that explore a different part of the Yellowstone to Yukon region and tell a unique story of perseverance and hope. Tickets are free. Join us for all three films, or just the ones that interest you. Replays available until Monday, Nov. 28. Each film will be presented live, and followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring the filmmaker. Get a Free All-Access Pass!
Book Talk - The Ecological Buffalo
On Thursday Dec.1 from 7-9pm, the Whyte Museum is hosting a Book Talk - The Ecological Buffalo: On the trail of a keystone species with Wes Olson and Johane Janelle.
Based on Wes Olson’s 35 years of working intimately with bison – and featuring Johane Janelle’s stunning photography – "The Ecological Buffalo" takes a journey through the myriad connections this keystone species has with the Great Plains. You can join the guestlist by clicking here.
If you are not able to attend in-person, you can join them for the live zoom broadcast!
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