Bear Activity: June 3 to 9, 2011

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

For the Period: June 3 to 9, 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

It is common to see bears paired up or even travelling in groups of three at this time of year. While it could be sows with cubs, it could also be male and female adult bears travelling together as this is the breeding season. The breeding season typically extends into mid-July although some bears have been seen breeding as late as mid-August. Always be cautious of bears travelling in groups – breeding males are often focused on mating and can be less focused on avoiding people.

Bear Activity Trends

There has been grizzly activity in Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Grassi Corridor, TSR South, YMCA Zones this week. Black bear activity has been reported at TSR South, Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Rundleview, Bow River Channel, Silvertip, Alpine Club, Gap Hill, Quaite Valley, YMCA and Bow Valley Provincial Park Zones.

Important Notes

There have been numerous reports of black bears in Canmore and the surrounding area this week. Grizzly bear reports have also been regular on the south side of the valley as the snow melts and they start to move down into the valley bottoms. Please be aware of your surroundings and make noise when approaching blind corners or when adjacent to noisy creeks, the river etc.

Bear Cautions and Closures

The area between the dyke at Canmore reservoir and the dog off leash area will reopen today, Friday June 3. The Warning signs along the Bow River in Canmore have also been removed. Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.