For the Period:  October 19 to October 25, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was no black bear activity for the Bow Valley this week. There was a single grizzly bear report on Three Sisters Parkway. 

Education Tidbit

Most black bears in the Bow Valley area are now headed into their dens. Grizzly bears are up high at densites or continuing to forage in the alpine. As a result of the reduced bear activity, this will be the last posted summary for the season. Be aware that there could still be sporadic bear activity and to continue to be vigilant while outside this fall. We welcome any comments you may have regarding the weekly bear summary. Comments can be forwarded to info@wildsmart.ca .

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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 bear spray; and obey warnings and closures.

The above 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.

For the Period:  October 12 to October 18, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

Black bear activity was reported in Silvertip and Exshaw zones. Grizzly bear reports occurred in Bow Flats, Bow Des Arcs, Wind Valley zone. Some of these grizzly bears may have been light colored black bears. 

Education Tidbit

Did you know WildSmart is charity you can donate to?  We work hard every year to raise the funds to provide our programs and increase the level of awareness of wildlife activity so that people and wildlife can live together safely.  Our goal is to develop a coordinated approach to education/outreach programs and help support direct management activities that will aid in increasing public safety and enjoyment as well as contribute towards sustainable wildlife populations.

 You can help use raise the funds needed to reduce conflict between people and wildlife by donating.  Learn how to donate: www.wildsmart.ca/aboutus.htm

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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 bear spray; and obey warnings and closures.

The above 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.

For the Period:  October 5 to October 11, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was little bear activity reported in the Bow Valley for the week of Oct 5-11th. Some reports of black bears were reported in Exshaw, Bow Valley Provincial Park and the YMCA zones. There was one report of a grizzly bear and cub south of Highway 1A in the Bow Des Arc zone. It was unconfirmed as to whether this was a grizzly bear or brown coloured black bear. 

Education Tidbit

As the first snow and hard frost hit the Bow Valley, natural bear foods are becoming more and more scarce. Bears are intent on getting their last few calories before heading into their dens in the coming weeks. Fruit trees are a particularly strong unnatural attractant to bears at the moment. Fallen fruit and fruit on trees will attract bears. Freezing temperatures will cause fruit to rot and in some cases this process will increase the sugar content of both domestic and wild fruits and berries. Apples, crab apples, dogwood berries and mountain ash berries will attract bears. Please do your part and consider removing available attractants like fruit from your property. Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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 bear spray; and obey warnings and closures.

The above 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.

For the Period:  September 28  to October 4, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was extensive bear activity reported on the Benchlands and  Silvertip area this week. Dead Mans Flats, Lac Des Arc, Wind Valley, Exshaw and Bow Valley Provincial Park also had several black bear sightings this week. Several reports of grizzly bear were received from the Silvertip area as well as several reports of brown coloured black bears in the area. Some of the grizzly reports may have actually been brown black bears but this has not been confirmed.

Education Tidbit

As the first snow and hard frost hit the Bow Valley, natural bear foods are becoming more and more scarce. Bears are intent on getting their last few calories before heading into their dens in the coming weeks. Fruit trees are a particularly strong unatural attractant to bears at the moment. Fallen fruit and fruit on trees will attract bears. Freezing temperatures will cause fruit to rot and in some cases this process will increase the sugar content of both domestic and wild fruits and berries. Apples, crab apples, dogwood berries and mountain ash berries will attract bears. Please do your part and consider removing available attractants like fruit from your property. Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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 bear spray; and obey warnings and closures.

The above 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.

For the Period: September 21  to 27, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in Harvie Heights/ Benchlands, Silvertip and Exshaw zones this week. There was no reported grizzly bear activity in the valley this week.

Education Tidbit

Three more black bears were relocated out of the Bow Valley over the last two weeks, including a sow with two cubs from Exshaw. In most cases these bears and others are accessing fruit trees in peoples backyards.  Often – they will end up on back decks looking for more food. They become a public safety hazard and are relocated out of the valley. Please do your part and consider removing available attractants like fruit from your property.

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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.

The above 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.

For the Period: September 14  to 20, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in Silvertip, Cougar Creek/ Eagle Terrace, Gap Hill, Exshaw and Lac des Arcs zones this week. There was grizzly bear activity in Wind Valley zone this week.

Education Tidbit

This is the time of year we see bears coming intoBowValleycommunities to feed on ornamental fruit trees.  Fruit trees and shrubs continue to be a major bear attractant in our communities and put people and bears at risk.  Don’t be responsible for a bear having to be relocated or euthanized.  Here is a list of great alternative plants and trees for your garden. 

www.wildsmart.ca/managingbearattractants.htm

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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.

The above 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.

For the Period: September 7  to 13, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in Harvie Heights, Grassi Corridor, Cougar Creek/ Eagle Terrace, Silvertip, TSR Resort, Bow Flats, YMCA and Bow Valley Prov Park  zones this week. There was grizzly bear activity for TSR South and Wind Valley zones this week.

Education Tidbit

It is hunting season in certain parts of the Bow Valley. Please be aware of indications of a succcesfully hunted animal; ravens congregating in trees or carnivore activity in specific areas over multiple days. Bears will typically look for the remains of hunted animals at this time of year – this is a key source of food for them in the fall. If you would like more information re hunting areas in the Bow Valley – please call 403 678 5508.

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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.

The above 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.

For the Period: August 31 to September 6, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in North Canmore, Grassi Corridor,  TSR South, Lac des Arcs, Exshaw, Bow Valley Prov Park, Alpine Club, andYMCA zones this week. There were no Grizzly bear reports for the Bow Valley.

Education Tidbit

As is typical this time of year, bear activity in the Bow Valley increases in specific areas. Both Lac des Arc and the Exshaw zones see inceased bear reporting. This is likely due to bears moving into the river riparian areas adjacent to the Bow River in search of dogwood and chokecherry. These shrub thrive in areas adjacent to the river and produce a valuable food resource. 

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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.

The above 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.

For the Period: August 24 to 30, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in Canmore Nordic Centre, Rundleview, North Canmore, Quarry/ Grassi Lakes, Grassi Corridor, Bow River, South Canmore, TSR Resort, TSR South, Gap Hill, Deadmans Flats, Lac des Arcs, Exshaw, Bow Valley Prov Park, zones this week. Grizzly bear activity was reported in  Canmore Golf Course zone this week. This bear may have been a black bear.

Education Tidbit

Ever wonder how healthy are our grizzlies?

Understanding the relationship between grizzly bear health and their habitat. From the Wildsmart Speaker Series, here’s Gordon Stenhouse from the Foothills Research Institute Grizzly Bear Research Project presentation.  Check out the Podcast.

wildsmart.libsyn.com/webpage/gordon-stenhouse-how-healthy-are-our-bears

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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.

The above 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.

For the Period: August 17 to 23, 2012

Bear Activity Trends

There was black bear activity reported in  Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Grassi Corridor, Rundleview, Silvertip, Alpine Club, Lac des Arcs, Exshaw, Heart Creek, YMCA, Bow Valley Provincial Park zones this week. Grizzly bear activity was reported in  Quarry/ Grassi Lake, Bow River, Bow Flats, Lac des Arcs zones this week.

Education Tidbit

Bear warnings and closures are posted to protect bears and people from conflicts.  Some people do not respect closures and either pull down the tape and or enter the area.  One may assume the risk is only to the person, but if a bear does attack someone in a closed area, this bear may be relocated or euthanized.  Fortunately theBowValleyand Kananaskis Country is home to many bike trails to choose from.  Before you head out on the trails, be sure to check the trail report.

www.wildsmart.ca/trail-closures.htm

Please report all bear sightings to 403 591 7755.

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.

The above 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.