Bear Activity: June 17 to 23, 2011

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

For the Period: June 17 to 23, 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

The type of human responses to bear encounters depends on the type of encounter. Generally, in a defensive or surprise encounter, you are perceived to be a threat to bears. These types of encounters are best responded to by displaying non-threatening behaviour – talking softly and increasing your distance from the bear. Non-defensive responses occur when bears close distance on people because they are curious, indifferent or, in extreme cases, predatory. They are best responded to by dominance type behaviour – standing your ground, appearing large and talking firmly to the bear. In the case of predatory attacks – you may be required to fight the bear.

Bear Activity Trends

There has been grizzly activity in Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, TSR Resort, Yamnuska, Bow River Channel, Bow Valley Provincial Park and YMCA  Zones this week. Black bear activity has been reported at Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Canmore Golf Course, TSR South, YMCA and Bow Valley Provincial Park Zones.

Important Notes

Numerous reports of black bears and a few grizzly bear reports continue to be reported at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Please ensure you are riding with some form of noise device (voice included) to alert wildlife as you approach blind corners and sections of trail with poor visibility.

Bear Cautions and Closures

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.