Bear Activity: May 18 to 24, 2012

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

For the Period: May 18 to 24, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in the  Canmore Nordic Centre, Bow River, Canmore Golf Course, North Canmore, South Canmore, Rundleview, South Industrial, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Grassi Corridor, TSR South, YMCA, Yamnuska,  Zones this week. Grizzly bear activity was reported in Bow Flats, Deadmans Flats, TSR South, Wind Valley and Heart Creek  Zones this week.

Education Tidbit

The weights of bears vary considerably throughout the season.  While bears lose weight in their dens during the winter, significant weight loss occurs after emerging from the den in April/ May. The amount of food available to eat at this time is limited and bears will search far and wide for green shoots and carrion. They are using up considerable energy and weight looking for food (and not always finding it). As spring rolls into summer, foods become more plentiful and bears slowly put their weight back on. By the beginning of the berry season bears weights are reflecting their den emergence weights again. Berry season into the fall is when bears can dramatically increase their weights, getting ready for the winter dens. Some bears may actually double their weight between spring and fall.

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 pepper spray; and obey 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.