Bear Activity: September 24 to 30, 2010

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

For the Period: September 24 to 30, 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 digging. Make lots of noise while hiking; hike in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and obey closures.

Education Tidbit

Bears are able to breed and give birth only when in their best condition. This is why it is important that they put on as much weight as possible in the fall. Females that go into the den healthy will usually be successful in giving birth. There is a mechanism in place, called delayed implantation, that aborts the ‘blastocyst’ (the fertilized ovum) if she is not healthy enough to have young

Bear Activity Trends

There was grizzly bear activity reported in Silvertip, Alpine Club and Wind Valley Zones this week. Black bears were reported in South Canmore, Bow des Arcs, Exshaw, and Lac des Arcs Zones this week.

Important Notes

Bears are very focused on feeding at the moment and multiple reports are coming in regarding bears feeding in peoples backyards, particularly those residential areas along the Bow River.

Bear Cautions and 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