Wildlife Activity: two weeks preceding April 9, 2010

WILDLIFE ACTIVITY FOR THE BOW VALLEY
(Banff National Park to Bow Valley Provincial Park)

For the two weeks preceding April 9, 2010

The following summary is based upon wildlife information provided by government agencies and unconfirmed sightings reported by the public over the last two weeks. It is not intended to be used as a real time, complete record of where wildlife is in the valley.

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 in groups when possible; carry pepper spray; and obey closures.

Education Tidbit

The bears are out. There have been reports of bears and signs of bears in the National Parks and the Bow and Kananaskis Valleys. It appears as if the larger males have moved down into the valley bottoms in search of early green vegetation and roots. Younger bears and possibly some family groups may be out of their dens but likely not venturing too far.

Wildlife Activity

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.

Important Notes

Ensure you are making plenty of noise while out recreating, particularly as you approach blind corners or noisy spots where animals may not hear you coming. This will prevent surprise encounters. Please ensure your dogs are kept on leash.
Carry bear spray on your person and be prepared to use it if necessary. Check the expiry date and replace it if expired.

Wildlife Cautions/ Closures

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