Grizzly and black bears are residents in the Bow Valley. The information below will help you stay safe while in bear country.

In most cases bears have no interest in encountering humans. However, encounters between bears and people do occur. Learn more about what to do in an encounter and what you can do to avoid them.

In the event you do come across a bear it is important to understand a bit about bear behaviour. Learn about the recommended response people should take; this is dependant on the type of interaction you have with the bear.

Avoid Bear Encounters

• Do not approach or feed bears; this can encourage dangerous bear behaviour that could lead to their destruction or human injury.
• If possible, travel in groups.
• Make lots of noise and be aware of your surroundings.
• Bear bells are often too quiet to be effective.
• Watch for fresh evidence such as tracks, droppings, or overturned rocks and logs.
• For the safety of both you and your dog, walk your dog on a leash.
• If you see a bear, or see or smell a dead animal, leave the area.
• If you know a bear is in an area, choose another place to recreate.
• Leave wildlife corridors to wildlife and recreate elsewhere.
• Contrary to popular belief, bears are quite capable of running downhill.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Respect all trail closures and information signs. They are there for your safety.

What to do if you do Encounter a Bear

If you encounter a bear, never run; it may trigger an attack. Slowly back away. You should appear passive; do not raise your voice or make direct eye contact. Climbing a tree is an option, but offers no guarantee of safety. Black bears are excellent climbers, and some grizzlies can also climb trees.

If the bear charges you, appear non-threatening. It may be one of a series of bluff charges. Stand your ground, and speak to the bear in a normal voice. If it continues to charge, try shouting or direct pepper spray into its face.

In the event of an attack by a grizzly, drop to the ground face down, interlace your fingers over the back of your neck and spread your legs to make it more difficult for the bear to turn you over. By playing dead, a grizzly will likely lose interest in you. If a black bear attacks you, fight it off with any weapon you have, including your fists.

If you're planning an outdoor adventure, remember that you are traveling in bear country.

Report bear sightings to 403.591.7755
For all public safety emergencies, call 9-1-1

Bear Management in the Bow Valley

There are a number of programs currently in place within the Bow Valley that are intended to reduce the potential for interaction between bears and people. They include:

• Attractant management
• Aversive conditioning
• Bear activity reports
• Wildlife corridors
• Waste management

Of Interest...

Grizzly Bears and Berry Season

The following interactive map illustrates grizzly bear activity in the vicinity of the Town of Canmore before, during and after berry season. The illustration is based on GPS fixes of 3 bears recorded at regular intervals between 2000 and 2003.
Note: the red spots mark the bear locations during berry season.

Click image to enlarge.