Bear Activity: September 16 to 22, 2011

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

For the Period: September 16 to 22, 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

Many grizzly bears have moved up high to feed on roots and corms. They can be expected at lower elevations though as they cross the valley bottoms, travelling from drainage to drainage. Black bear activity tends to be focused along the Bow River as they continue looking for valley bottom foods. As such, they can be expected to still be using the trail systems in the valley to get from point A to B. Be aware, particularly at dawn and dusk, of berry bushes and ornamental fruit trees being fed on (broken branches and berries on the ground), scat on the trail and the presence of gut piles from successfully hunted animals in those areas where hunting is allowed.

Bear Activity Trends

There has grizzly activity reported in Wind Valley Zone this week. Black bear activity has been reported at Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Grassi Corridor, Rundleview, South Canmore, Bow River Channel, Deadmans Flats, Exshaw, Lac des Arcs,  Heart Creek, and Bow Valley Provincial Park Zones.

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.