Bear Activity: September 3 to 9, 2010

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

For the Period: September 3 to 9, 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

Hunting season is underway in the Bow Valley. Bears, being the opportunistic animals that they are, will take full advantage of any remains/ gut piles of successfully hunted animals. Be aware of raven activity, concentrated dark bear stool or other bear sign that may indicate a bear may be on a carcass this fall. Should you come across bears on a carcass, please phone 403 591 7755 to report it.

Bear Activity Trends

There was grizzly bear activity reported in the Bow Flats Zone this week. Black bears were reported in Canmore Nordic Centre, Rundleview, North Canmore, Bow River, Heart Creek, Quaite Valley and Bow Valley Provincial Park Zones this week.

Important Notes

Bears are focused on feeding at the moment and many are trailside eating berries. Please be extra cautious when hiking / riding on trails at this time of year.

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