Bear Activity: July 5 to July 11, 2013

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

For the Period:  July 5 to July 11, 2013

Bear Activity Trends

Bear activity reports for the Bow Valley have slowly been increasing as more people get back to normal patterns of activity and start spending more time out hiking and biking.  The Canmore Nordic Centre Zone continues to be a very active area with multiple reports of black bears on the trails. In addition to the Nordic Centre, black bear activity was reported in the Quarry-Grassi Lakes Zone, Three Sisters South Zone, Three Sisters Resort Zone, and the Gap Hill Zone. No reports of grizzly bears in the Bow Valley were received this week.  As a reminder, maps indicating the zone locations referenced in these bear summary reports can be viewed via the link of this page to the right:  www.wildsmart.ca/news/zones-reference-maps/ 

Education Tidbit

 With the opening up of more of the Kananaskis Valley this weekend, an influx of campers, hikers, and bikers is expected. What has been a very quiet backcountry area for bears and other wildlife over the last 3 weeks is about to change.  Interactions between people and bears are going to increase and we need to be cognizant of the likelihood of encounters and continue to be diligent – no different than the Bow Valley. Contact Alberta Park’s Visitor Centres for information on current trail conditions and camping options. Refresh yourself on basic hiking and camping tips by visiting info@wildsmart.ca .  Remember your bear spray.

If you have comments or suggestions on these bear activity reports, they can be forwarded to info@wildsmart.ca .

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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 bear spray; and obey warnings and closures.

The above 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.