Bear Activity: May 25 to 31, 2012

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

For the Period: May 25 to 31, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in the  Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Canmore Golf Course, North Canmore, South Canmore, Rundleview, TSR Resort, TSR South, Exshaw, Yamnuska, YMCA and Wind Valley Zones this week. Grizzly bear activity was reported in TSR South, Deadmans Flats, Bow Flats and Wind Valley Zones this week.

Education Tidbit

There were multiple sightings of black bears around the Town of Canmore this week. There have also been reported sightings of bears predating on elk calves in the last week. Be aware of aggressive elk defending their young and potential carcasses with bears feeding on them at this time of year.

Learn how to avoid encounters with bears; what to do and how to use bear spray.  Free bear safety and bear spray training June 2^nd 10:30 am at the Creekside Hall. Canmore Senior Centre.

Bear Spray works!  Check out the research: www.wildsmart.ca/pdffiles/bear_spray_research.pdf

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.