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 (Apr.27-May4, 2023)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Bear season is almost in full swing as bears continue to be seen more frequently in the Bow Valley and grizzly bear activity has picked up down in Kananaskis Country as most of them are out of their dens now. Mother bears will continue to emerge from their dens with their cubs and it is very important to give these new mothers and their young, and ALL wildlife, lots of space!
A black bear was reported near a residential area on the south side of Canmore which serves as an important reminder that we can’t prevent bears from walking through town or our backyards, but we certainly can do our best not to give them a food reward or a reason to linger! Keep them moving along by ensuring your yards are free of attractants such as food, garbage, recycling, pet food, greasy bbqs and bird feeders. For those who are not aware, the Town of Canmore has a Community Standards Bylaw, and residents can be fined for having Wildlife Attractants (such as garbage and bird feeders) that are accessible to wildlife in their yards.
There are some great reminders in this article about bears in the valley bottom in and around Canmore at this time last year.
Photo taken on May 3, 2022 in Kananaskis Country
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
With all this recent sunshine and hot weather, the ditches along the highways are greening up which is going to draw all kinds of wildlife roadside looking for that green grass! Remember to obey speed limits and slow down if you see wildlife by the road, but please do not stop to view wildlife. If you see one animal be prepared to see more and adjust your speed accordingly. We see a high mortality rate of wildlife from vehicles in the Bow Valley, especially in spring when the likelihood of encountering wildlife on or close to the road is increased. Please travel safely and help protect our wildlife by slowing down, especially during dawn and dusk.
With multiple bears moving throughout the valley, when you head out onto the trails it is very important that you:
Keep your pets on-leash
Make lots of noise to alert wildlife to your presence
Travel in a group, keeping children close by
Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location, know how to use it and be prepared to use it!
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Watch this video of a black bear trying to get a cat at the top of a tall tree in Sudbury, ON.
Read this article about a recent study by Annie Pumphrey that explores better ways to manage bear jams, along with some comments from WildSmart.
A Utah man was attacked by a cougar while out hiking alone.
A school principal comes face to face with a bear in a school dumpster in West Virginia.
A mama bear was caught raiding garbage bins in Kamloops, B.C., teaching her cubs some very dangerous lessons.
A wolf was struck and killed on the Trans-Canada Highway in Yoho National Park last week.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
“Springtime wildlife encounters: what to consider” By Robin Contos
Springtime in the valley is heralded by the appearance of lush patches of green grass, the first wildflowers opening their faces to the sun, and the beginnings of leaves unfurling on the branches of trees. These tender shoots of greenery provide a perfect meal for hungry wildlife.
Photo by Robin Contos
As snow still covers the landscape higher up, the Bow Valley becomes a perfect foraging spot for elk, bears and other animals during April and May.
“The valley is the lowest habitat available to wildlife, and as such, in the spring, it's the first place where the snow recedes and melts and the vegetation grows,” said John Paczkowski, the team lead for human wildlife coexistence with Alberta Parks.
“There are well watered and fertilized grassy patches around town too, which will accelerate them growing and that's a critical food source for a bunch of species at this time of year.”
The highest probability of encountering wildlife occurs during the spring season due to the abundance of food in the valley bottom and in the Town of Canmore itself.
Photo by Robin Contos
As the weather warms, more people head out to engage in recreational activities on the landscape, this results in an increased density of living things sharing one space.
As humans seek outdoor recreational activities, bears, just out of hibernation, are searching for food, and elk are searching for safe areas to calve. The demand on the valley bottom ecosystem in spring is extremely high.
Derek Ryder, co-chair of Friends of Kananaskis, has suggestions for how to prevent wildlife encounters during this busy time.
“You can think about where bears are going to be during different times of the year and be where they’re not. And so, if you want to avoid bears, head up high,” said Ryder.
“Any greenery is a wildlife attractant. So, if you’re standing on the snow and you don’t see anything green other than the trees, you’re probably going to be okay.” Of course being on snow in the springtime brings its own hazards, as avalanches are common and can be very dangerous (click here to learn more).
Avoiding areas where wildlife is most active, is only one step. It is important to do research about what animals are active on the landscape and be aware of how to prevent and handle encounters.
Photo by Robin Contos
A few important steps to this include; making noise on trails to alert nearby wildlife, keeping any food, drinks, or other attractants sealed and inaccessible, and, always carrying bear spray in an easily accessible spot.
Paczkowski advises people to be aware of the wildlife and be prepared for encounters.
“You're in bear country, you're in wildlife country. So, act accordingly and expect to have those encounters and try and avoid them as best you can.”
Current Opportunities
The Biosphere Institute is seeking a Community Engagement Intern for Summer 2023. Closing date is Sunday May 14, 2023 and you can click on the button below for more info.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
In recognition of the efforts that people of all ages are making to care for this place we call home, our passionate group of young ladies (Zoe, Hadley, Maya & Abigail) are back again with another fundraising event coming up on Saturday May 13 from 10am-2pm. All proceeds will go to support the Biosphere Institute to advance our work on human-wildlife coexistence and climate-action. It is so inspiring to see young people show such passion, commitment and enthusiasm to help make a difference and protect our planet! Click here to learn more about these inspiring local students!
Upcoming Events
May 15 - Earth Talks Speaker Series
Join Lynda Pianosi and Nick de Ruyter at the Canmore Public Library for their presentation Family Hiking: Making it as Easy as 1-2-3. Learn the key things you should know for a safe and enjoyable day on the trail! This event is FREE and will take place on Monday, May 15th, 2023, in the Friends Program Room from 7-8pm. Registration is required to attend in-person, or you can join online LIVE via Zoom by clicking here.
Living with the beautiful Rocky Mountains in our backyard, we are surrounded by nature, wildlife, and hiking trails galore. But do you know which trails are family friendly, or how to choose the best hike for all the members of your group? Have you wondered what you should pack in a first aid kit or how to use bear spray? At this Earth Talks presentation, you'll learn all that, and more! Nick and Lynda will touch base on the key things you should know to make your family hiking experience safe and enjoyable! Click here for more info.
Attend a FREE Interactive Bear Aware webinar on Wednesday May 17th at 7pm hosted by the Town of Banff and Parks Canada! The 60-minute online session will be led by two Parks Canada wildlife specialists and includes a presentation on how to identify different types of bears, common bear behaviours and tools and tips to prevent bear encounters. Click here to register.
June 3 - Green Buildings Open House
The Green Buildings Open House is coming to the Bow Valley! This free tour of energy-efficient homes lets you see how other people are tackling energy efficiency and deep energy retrofits and get your questions answered by those who have lived it! The 2023 tour will be on June 3rd, and we have seven properties across the valley for you to visit! Click here for more info!
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