Bear Activity: September 23 to 29, 2011

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

For the Period: September 23 to 29, 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

Black bears will typically enter their dens earlier than grizzly bears. With the recent warm weather the move to denning may be delayed. Of course much depends on the weather patterns over the next few weeks. The month of October is typically when black bears start moving in to dens though. Grizzly bears will typically den up in early to mid November. Pending food availability, some grizzly bears have been observed out foraging for food as late as mid December. This is often due to the availability of unnatural foods such as grain on railroad tracks, fruit trees and available carrion from road killed or hunted animals.

Bear Activity Trends

There has been no grizzly bear activity reported in the Bow Valley this week. Black bear activity has been reported at Gap Hill and Exshaw 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.