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 29-May 6, 2022)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Bear season is in full swing as both grizzly and black bears continue to be seen more frequently in the Bow Valley and 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 on a back deck on the north side of Canmore in a residential area 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 bbq’s and bird feeders. For those who are not aware, the Town of Canmore has a Wildlife Attractant Bylaw. Residents can be fined for having wildlife attractants accumulate to the point that they attract dangerous wildlife to their yards.
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
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.
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
Some great reminders in this local article about grizzly bears seen in the valley bottom around Canmore.
Read this article that discusses a new peer-reviewed study about how large carnivores like grizzly bears and wolves are responding to increasing human use and development in the Bow Valley. Written by local authors and published in Movement Ecology, this study examines how towns and trails in the Bow Valley drive carnivore movement behaviour, habitat selection and connectivity.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Living and recreating safely in bear country means understanding many things, from signs that bears are around, to what to do in a bear encounter. As we wander in the wilderness (or even in town sites) we are travelling in a bear’s home: their living areas, dining areas, and even their bathrooms. Recognizing the food sources that bears are currently eating can help raise your awareness of the possibility that bears are around where you are at any given moment. So what are bears eating this month?
Research on bear diets clearly shows that an early season food source are the new, fresh shoots of the Horsetail family of plants. To a bear, all members of the Horsetail family are just good eats. Click on the image below to read the full article written by Derek Ryder, Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador & IGA Interpretive Guide about Horsetails!
Click on this image of a Horsetail to read the full article.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Our organization has a wonderful opportunity to earn at least $40,000 to support our fabulous programs! We are seeking volunteers for our upcoming Casino in Calgary!
The casino will be held on Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May at the ACE Casino Blackfoot, located at 42 Ave SE Calgary. Your food, travel, and accommodation are free.
Your participation is so valuable to help us raise important funds to advance our mission, and you get to hang out with the staff! Thanks in advance for your help!
We need to fill shifts this week, so please sign up today and share with a friend!
We are accepting new Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors for this season but there are limited spots available! If you are interested in joining the Wildlife Ambassador Team, please fill out an online application by clicking on the button below! Applications are due by 11:59pm on Sunday May 15th, 2022. Interviews will take place at the end of May, with training starting in June.
Events
Attend a FREE Interactive Bear Aware webinar on Wednesday May 18th 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!
Canmore’s first Electric Vehicle Expo will take place at Elevation Place on Saturday, May 28, in partnership with Bow Valley Climate Action Society! The event is open to the public from 10am - 4pm. There is no registration required and the event is free.
Come by to see our exhibitors including local businesses, community organizations, and electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts.There will be cars, e-bikes, and electric motorcycles to see, and prizes to win, so you don’t want to miss out!
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