Bear Activity: July 4 to 10, 2010

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

For the period July 4 to 10, 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

We are fast approaching buffaloberry season. This looks to be a good crop, particularly when compared to last three years, which will certainly increase activity in areas such as the Canmore Nordic Centre and other areas on the south side of the valley. The berries are expected to ripen in the next week or two at the latest. Buffaloberry removal within facilities is ongoing.

Bear Activity Trends

There has been grizzly activity in Alpine Club, Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Grassi Corridor, Stewart Creek, TSR South and Wind Valley Zones this week. Black bears were reported in Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake Georgetown, Rundleview, TSR Resort, Alpine Club, Bow Flats, Deadmans Flats, Gap Hill, Exshaw, Heart Creek, Bow Valley Provincial Park and YMCA Zones this week.

Important Notes

There continue to be daily reports of black bears, including sows with cubs, at the Canmore Nordic Centre and Camp Chief Hector. Please exercise caution when using the trails and make plenty of noise where sightlines are poor. If you see a bear, give it the right of way and leave in the direction you came from.

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