Bear Activity Report

Bear Activity Report

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Wildlife Activity

Bow Valley WildSmart provides a monthly summary of wildlife activity in the Bow Valley between Banff Park Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park. The summary is based upon a compilation of wildlife information provided by government agencies and wildlife activity reported by the public.

Wildlife Activity Report

Wildlife Activity
It appears the spring/summer season is behind by 2- 3 weeks. Please continue to expect to encounter ungulates, particularly elk and deer, with newborn calves. Over the past few weeks, we have been receiving reports of aggressive encounters with elk and of orphaned or injured deer fawns. Give these animals space as they can be quite protective of their young, and may perceive you to be a threat. Newborns will spend much time alone in their early days and will appear lifeless in order to avoid detection by predators. Hence, the well-meaning reports received by the public that a fawn has been ‘orphaned’ or is injured. Please do not touch or approach these calves, as they have likely been left alone while their mother continues to feed nearby. Off leash dogs can easily kill newborn calves. Please keep your dogs on a leash.
Birds are also still nesting at this time. Off-leash or free-ranging cats are responsible for a large portion of young bird mortality. Please keep your cats indoors.
Incidents of deer and elk mortality on the highways have been occurring on a regular basis throughout the Bow Valley. Obey speed limits and watch for wildlife on the roads.

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Wildlife Activity: April 30 – May 28, 2010

There continue to be cougar sightings in the valley, the most recent in the Rundleview area of Canmore. There have also been reports in Rundleview of coyotes closing distance on people, particularly those with dogs. Be aggressive with any coyote encounter by making yourself appear large and waving a stick at the animal. Carry bear spray and discharge it at the animal if possible. As wildlife such as elk and deer begin to have their young, give them a wide birth as they will be particularly protective of their young at this time of year.

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Wildlife Activity: two weeks preceding April 9, 2010

Bear tracks have been observed in the north side of the valley between Canmore and Harvie Heights. A cougar was approaching dogs (off leash) in the Cougar Creek area. This area has been closed until further notice.

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Wildlife Activity: two weeks preceding March 12, 2010

Wildlife activity in the valley is relatively quiet from the perspective of interactions with people. Coyote sightings continue to occur but there have been no unusual interactions reported. Bear tracks were observed in the Pigeon Mountain area last week. Its not clear if this bear will go back into its den or not. This does serve as a reminder to be aware of wildlife activity at any time of the year.

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