A special event with Kevin Van Tighem & Charlie Russel

Thursday June 6th, 2013

7:00 pm – 8:30

Canmore Collegiate High School

5% of proceeds of the new book will go to WildSmart

Bears Without Fear poster

WildSmart Young Families Workshop

Wednesday June 6th, 2013

Room 207 at Exshaw School

27 Mount Allen Drive, Exshaw

Exshaw Wildsmart Poster

Free Bear Spray Training

Alpine Club of Canada Open House

Sunday June 2nd, 2013

10 am – 4 pm

Canmore Clubhouse

ACC OpenHouse

Get WildSmart & learn how to live with bears, cougars and wildlife in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country.

Wednesday April 24th, 2013

6:30 pm -8:30 pm

Bow Valley Parent Link Centre in Canmore

Register at 403-678-7149 or email mbrazier@canmore.ca or sign up at Parent Link

FREE Childcare

Poster

Young Families Wildlife Safety Workshop (Exshaw)

Get WildSmart & learn how to live with bears, cougars and wildlife in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country.

Wednesday June 5th, 2013

6:30 pm -8:30 pm

Exshaw School 27 Mount Allen Drive, Exshaw

Register at 403-678-7149 or email mbrazier@canmore.ca or sign up at Parent Link

FREE Childcare

Poster

Fundraiser for WildSmart Children’s Programs

Join us at the Bow Valley Roller Derby this Saturday April 27th, 2013

Canmore Recreation Centre

Doors open at 6:00 pm

Whistle at 7:00 pm

Proceeds from half-time children’s animal costume parade contest go to WildSmart’s Children’s programs.

www.bowvalleyrollerderby.com/

WildSmart provides children’s programs year round and relies on donations, and grants to continue our charitable work. Thanks for helping us continue to teach children how to love and respect the wildlife they share this beautiful place with.

Grizzlies & The Energy Sector

Thursday March 21st, 2013

7 pm at Canmore Collegiate High School

Grizzly Bears and the energy sector in Alberta – new knowledge from research

Over the past 14 years the FRI Grizzly Bear Research Program has done extensive work helping with our understanding of grizzly bear habitat use and response to forest harvesting activities in the boreal forests of Alberta. More recently our research team has been investigating how grizzly bears respond to energy sector development and activities along the eastern slopes. This presentation will review some of these new research findings and discuss ongoing studies on a number of ecological questions aimed at supporting grizzly bear conservation and recovery in Alberta.

Wildsmart March poster

Cougar Activity

We live in Cougar country.  Cougar live, feed, and breed in the valley and it is our responsibility to be CougarSmart when living and recreating here.  Please supervise children in your yard and keep pets on leash.

A cougar killed a deer in someone’s backyard in Canmore.  Learn more.

Cougar prowls Catamount Court

www.rmoutlook.com/article/20130307/RMO0801/303079984/0/rmo08

Bear Activity

No bears have been sighted, but it is the time of year where male bears will be waking.  Time to dust off the bear spray and check the expiry date.  Spring is about to be sprung!

Wildlife Corridors

Wildlife Corridors are a hot topic there days.  If you are new to town and want to learn more check out the article “Where the wildlife roam”

www.wildsmart.ca/pdffiles/Wildlife_corridors_March_2009.pdf

WILDLIFE 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 wildlife activity such as scats, tracks, and diggings. Make lots of noise while recreating.  Hike, ski and snowshoe in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and obey closures.

If you encounter an animal (elk, deer, wolf, cougar etc) on the trail or close to you, leave the area. This will prevent the animal from getting used to people. If the animal does approach you, increase your distance. If it persists, try and appear large and speak firmly to the animal. Pick up a large stick if one is handy. Prepare your bear spray and discharge it in the animal’s face if necessary.

Wildlife Cautions/ Closures

Please report all incidents of aggressive coyotes as well as cougar or other unusual wildlife sightings to 403-591-7755. For current postings of Wildlife Warnings and Closures please visit tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/trailreport.aspx

Cougar Activity

A young cougar has been seen walking through the neighborhoods of Cougar Creek and Benchland late at night over the past few days.

According to local wildlife trackers, 3 cougars traveled the south side corridors, one very large, most likely male, the other two were smaller , similar size tracks, may be siblings hunting together over the past couple of weeks.

Please walk pets on a leash and do not let your dogs out late at night without your supervision.  Always keep a close eye on small children.

Bear Activity

By this time of year many bears have gone into their den.  That being said a grizzly and her cubs were recently seen in the Black Prince area of Kananaskis Country.

In past years people have seen bears in Banff late in the year and just recently a couple in B.C. were attacked by a defensive grizzly and cubs.  It is always important to be WildSmart in all seasons.  Many of the behaviors that we ask you to follow to be safe around bears in spring; summer and fall are quite useful in avoiding encounters with wildlife that you will be sharing the woods with in winter.

Ungulate Activity

Deer mortalities continue to be high on unfenced sections of the highway.  Please be extra cautious in these areas and be aware that sometimes wildlife can get caught on the inside of the fence next to the highway.  Always drive with care for your safety and the wildlife that live here.

This holiday season when you have more time to take the family pet for a walk, please remember that deer and elk populations are entering into the most stressful and food deprived time of the year for them.  They are in need of space and chasing dogs can cause them to use precious calories they need to survive the winter.  We also have a very active cougar population who see your pet as prey and in past years we have lost several dogs to cougar predation.  Please be extra cautious to keep your family pets safe.

In the News!

Grizzly Bear 94 and her 3 cubs might have chosen a winter den she is not too keen to share. 

Learn more: www.rmoutlook.com/article/20121129/RMO0801/311299996/-1/rmo0801/bears-close-black-prince-area

WILDLIFE 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 wildlife activity such as scats, tracks, and diggings. Make lots of noise while recreating.  Hike, ski and snowshoe in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and obey closures.

If you encounter an animal (elk, deer, wolf, cougar etc) on the trail or close to you, leave the area. This will prevent the animal from getting used to people. If the animal does approach you, increase your distance. If it persists, try and appear large and speak firmly to the animal. Pick up a large stick if one is handy. Prepare your bear spray and discharge it in the animal’s face if necessary.

Wildlife Cautions/ Closures

Please report all incidents of aggressive coyotes as well as cougar or other unusual wildlife sightings to 403-591-7755. For current postings of Wildlife Warnings and Closures please visit tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/trailreport.aspx

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.