Bear Activity: May 28 to June 3, 2010

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

For the period May 28 to June 3, 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

Aversive conditioning has been a bear management tool in the Bow Valley and area for a number of years now. It has allowed wildlife managers to consider an individual bear’s behaviour and response to conditioning and determine whether the bear is learning to avoid developments and people or not. During the month of May, a number of grizzly bears have been captured and radio collared in order to monitor their movements and discourage them from using developed areas. These grizzly bears have included a female with 2 – 2 year old cubs and a large male who managed to travel from the Chinchaga in northern Alberta to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

Bear Activity Trends

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

Important Notes

There have been daily reports of black bears within Canmore town limits this week. Please use caution when using the trails, particularly along the river and the periphery of town.

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