Bear Activity: October 7 to 13, 2011

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

For the Period: October 7 to 13, 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

We are often asked whether folks should carry bear spray or bear bangers (pen launchers). To clarify, bear spray is intended to be used at relatively close range (+/- 8 m) and could be considered a last resort during a close encounter. Bear bangers are intended to be used when the bear or other animal is still a fair distance from you but not moving off, even though it is aware of your presence. While many bears will retreat when a bear banger is fired towards them, it is important to realize that firing them is considered a ‘dominant’ move on your part. This can result in the bear asserting its dominance right back at you resulting in a charge. So be selective in your use of bangers and do not use them until you have tried other sub dominant type actions such as talking calmly and turning sideways while increasing your distance from the bear. Never shoot bangers down a trail or within a developed area unless you are sure there are no people in the area. This may result in a bear running into someone as it retreats.

Bear Activity Trends

There has been a single grizzly bear reported at the Canmore Nordic centre this week. Black bear activity has been reported at Yamnuska Zone.

Important Notes

Bears are moving into residential areas of the Bow Valley to feed on ornamental fruit trees and other foods. Please be cautious when walking around town and keep dogs on leash.

Bear Cautions and Closures

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.