By Wildsmart and Barry Nestransky
The Bow Valley is home to and a major movement corridor for numerous animals including bears, cougars, wolves, elk, coyotes, and other animals. There is a lot we can do to be good neighbours to the wildlife that call the Bow Valley home. Visit WildSmart for a multitude of wildlife resources including how to manage a bear, elk, cougar, wolf, or coyote encounter. Here are tips and resources from WildSmart to stay aware and to respect all wildlife while living and playing in the Bow Valley.
Carry Bear Spray
Ensure that you are carrying bear spray that is accessible such as in a holster or attached directly to a pack strap. Check that the bear spray has not expired and know how to use it.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Watch for fresh evidence of wildlife activity, such as tracks, scat, diggings, or overturned rocks and logs. If you see a bear or see or smell a dead animal, leave the area.
Travel in Groups
Large groups of four or more people have proven less likely to be involved in a serious wildlife encounter.
Make Noise
Let wildlife know that you are present by singing, yelling, or talking loudly. This is particularly important when traveling through areas of limited visibility or around streams and rivers where wildlife are less likely to hear you. Do not rely on loud music from your iPhone or stereo on the trails. It is not effective to keep bears away and instead, it makes you less aware of your surroundings. Bear bells are also not recommended by experts as the human voice carries much better.
Keep Pets on a Leash
Negative interactions between dogs and wildlife often end with the wild animal’s relocation (which results in about a 50% survival rate) or euthanasia. It is illegal not to have your dog on leash in Canmore, the surrounding habitat patches, and in both provincial and national parks.
Stay Out of Designated Wildlife Corridors
If your trail cuts across a wildlife corridor, move through the area quickly.
Respect All Trail Closures and Warnings
Trail closures and warnings are put in place for public safety or when wildlife are most sensitive to people (during early spring when bears are emerging from their dens, during berry season, or during the elk mating season). Respect all closures and warnings by choosing another area to recreate. Review current trail closures and warnings in the Bow Valley, Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park before you head out. Sign up for a weekly bear report so that you may plan your adventures appropriately.
Keep a Safe Distance
Take photos or observe animals from a safe distance — 100 metres for bears, and 30 metres or more for other large wildlife species.
Remove Attractants
Whether it is your campsite or home, secure and/or remove potential attractants such as garbage, pet food, bird feeders, berry bushes, and fruit trees.
Report bear, cougar, wolf, or aggressive wildlife:
Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks | Banff Dispatch 403-762-1470.
Canmore and Kananaskis | Kananaskis Emergency Services 403-591-7755.