Bear Activity: April 23 to 29, 2010

BEAR SUMMARY FOR THE BOW VALLEY
(Banff National Park to Bow Valley Provincial Park)

For the period April 23 to 29, 2010

The following summary 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.

BEARS CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
Be aware of your surroundings, know how to reduce the likelihood of encounters, and be prepared should an encounter take place. Always use caution by paying attention to signs of bear activity such as scats, tracks, and diggings. Make lots of noise while hiking; hike in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and obey closures.

Education Tidbit

The fencing along the Trans Canada highway has reduced the number of vehicle
collisions with wildlife, particularly ungulates. Black bears, however, are still able to
climb the fence. As a result, they are still involved in vehicle collisions along the fenced sections of highway. As well, a number of radio-collared grizzly bears have been observed digging under the fence east of Canmore. Wildlife staff have tried discouraging these bears from digging under the fence by attempting to move them along the fence towards the underpasses. The hope is that they will eventually become aware of the highway underpasses and utilize those instead. This would greatly reduce their chance of being involved in a vehicle collision.

Bear Activity Trends

There has been grizzly activity in Canmore Nordic Centre, Silvertip, Mt. Lady MacDonald, Alpine Club, Bow Flats, TSR South, Stewart Creek and Wind Valley Zones this week. Black bear tracks have been reported in Wind Valley Zone.

Important Notes

Please respect closure and warning signage. These are posted for the safety of the public and wildlife. Closures do not typically last for very long – please be patient – the area will reopen once the safety concern is gone.

Bear Cautions/ Closures

Please report all bear sightings to 403-591-7755. For current postings of Bear Warnings and Closures please visit tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/trailreport.aspx