Bear Activity: August 26 to September 1, 2011

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

For the Period: August 26 to September 1, 2011

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 digging. Make lots of noise while hiking; hike in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and obey closures.

Education Tidbit

Bear activity in the  Bow Valley continues in a few locations with buffaloberries continuing to be the main attractant. The buffaloberry season, however, is winding down and bears will shift their attention to other food sources. Many grizzly bears will move up high to feed on roots and corms. Bears in the valley bottoms will focus on other species such as chokecherry, pin cherry, dogwood and saskatoon. These species are common near Lac des Arcs, Exshaw and points east in the valley. Ornamental fruit trees also become a significant attractant resulting in bear activity in residential areas where these trees still remain. This activity creates significant safety concerns for both people and bears. So please, report this activity early in order that this behaviour can be discouraged right away and we can minimize the number of bears relocated or destroyed. Please consider removing any of these attractants from your yards.

Bear Activity Trends

There has been no grizzly activity reported this week in the Bow Valley other than a possible report from the Mt Lady MacDonald zone. Black bear activity has been reported at Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Bow River Channel, Rundleview, TSR Resort, TSR South, Deadmans Flats, Lac des Arcs, Heart Creek, Quaite Valley, and Bow Valley Provincial Park Zones.

Important Notes

It is berry season and bears are in the valley bottoms. Please remain attentive and be on the lookout for bears feeding trailside.

Bear Cautions and Closures

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.