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BEAR ACTIVITY SUMMARY FOR THE BOW VALLEY
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park) For the period: October 30 to November 6, 2020
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.
SUMMARY
A black bear was seen west of Canmore near Harvie Heights, but otherwise it has been another quiet week for bears in the Bow Valley. GPS data is showing that some of the collared grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country have started heading towards their den sites from last year. That being said, there are non-collared bears that have recently been seen out and about searching for last minute calories down in K-Country. With this in mind, it is important that we do not become complacent when heading out on the trails and that we are mentally prepared for possible encounters with wildlife! Remember to carry bear spray in an easily accessible location (not in your backpack), know how to use it and use it if required. Bear spray should be carried year-round and is also effective against wildlife which are active year-round such as cougars, wolves, coyotes and elk. It should be carried along well-traveled trails in and around town.
Be vigilant and remember it is safer to hike/bike/run/ski in a group. It is also a good idea to make lots of noise when out on the trails and avoid recreating at dusk, dawn or at night which is when most of the wildlife is active. Be aware of your surroundings by periodically checking behind you to make sure there are no animals following you and by not wearing earbuds/headphones, which will limit your ability to hear approaching wildlife.
Last week, three of our Wildlife Ambassadors, Wendy, Neil and Sam, went out for a hike near Banff and saw several grizzly bear, wolf and cougar tracks along the way. Proof that the wildlife in the Bow Valley is still very active! Photos courtesy of Wendy Everett.
Bears are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything that is available to them, so please make sure your yard is free of all potential attractants (such as fruit both on trees and on the ground, pumpkins, pet food, bird feeders, garbage and greasy barbecues) that may draw bears into residential areas which greatly increases the chance of them getting into trouble. Relocated bears generally have a low chance of survival, but moving a bear in the fall is especially difficult for the bear. Being proactive and removing attractants from your yard could save a bear’s life!
Elk rutting season is winding down 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! Keep your pets on a leash and if an elk charges (usually because you are much too close), be prepared to use your bear spray. Try to move behind a large object (e.g. car, large tree) and keep the object between you and the elk.
Photo by Dave Rempel
Please dispose of your pumpkins properly and do not leave them outside, inviting them to get smashed up by pranksters or eaten by wildlife. In Canmore, pumpkins should be disposed of in the bear-proof Community Food Waste Containers. Remember to remove candles and other non organic decorations!
Please dispose of your pumpkins properly. DO NOT leave them out in your yard!
Hunting season continues so be aware of your surroundings and stay clear of dead animals. Hunters should always carry and use bear spray as the first line of defence, even if they are carrying a gun.
CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Click here for the complete list of all Alberta Parks warnings and closures in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country.
Click here for the complete list of all warnings and closures in Banff National Park.
Here is a list of some Annual Closures in Kananaskis Country.
Click here for current information from Alberta Parks about visiting their parks during COVID-19. Click here for current information from Parks Canada about visiting their parks during COVID-19.
For more information on areas in the Bow Valley frequented by bears at this time of year, visit our human-bear conflict summary map.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Polar Bear Week runs from November 1-7 and polar bears are already starting to gather on the shores of Hudson Bay to wait for freeze-up so they can return to hunting seals. During Polar Bear Week, the focus is on the importance of sea ice to polar bears—and why we must take action on climate change to ensure their survival. As an exercise for today, you could try reimagining your community in a completely sustainable light. You can help promote clean transportation and projects that reduce the number of vehicles on our roads. You can also applaud and practice energy-efficient construction standards that set new efficiency guidelines for heating and cooling systems, insulation, and lighting.
In honour of Polar Bear Week, here are some cool facts about polar bears to kick off your weekend!
Photo by Craig Taylor/Polar Bears International
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