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Banff National Park of Canada

Bear Update
November 20, 2009

We’re Still Around!

Winter may be just around the corner, but bears are still active in the park. Some bears, especially females with young cubs, may already be snug in their winter dens, but others, like adult males, are still out and about in search of food. At this time of year, bears will take advantage of grain spilled on railway tracks, elk weakened by the recent rut, or carcasses. If you see ravens, do not approach, as this could indicate a carcass is nearby. If you see a bear, or think there may be a carcass in the vicinity, please call the Banff Warden Office at 403.762.1470.

Remember, bears are opportunistic feeders. Ensure that all potential bear attractants – garbage, pet food, BBQ grease, empty bottles – are stored in bear-proof locations. Residents are reminded that fruit trees and bird feeders are powerful bear magnets: picking up fallen fruit in your yards and harvesting all fruit remaining on the trees can help keep our bears wild.

Male grizzly along the railway tracks in Banff National Park, October 2009
Male grizzly along the railway tracks in Banff National Park, October 2009
© D. McKown

Here are a few bear-aware tips to help keep both us and bears safe:

Bear paw Stay alert on the trails - Make noise, watch for fresh bear sign, travel in groups, keep your dog on a leash, and if you encounter a bear – give it LOTS of space! See Bears & People for more information.

Bear paw Drive with care - If you see a bear by the road, consider not stopping – this will help keep bears wild and alive. Obey speed limits.

Bear paw Tuck these safely away - food (including pet food and bird feeders), garbage, BBQs, and recyclables can easily attract a hungry bear. Keep these and other attractants in bear-proof storage or hard-sided vehicles. Bears that get used to human food gradually lose their fear of people and may have to be relocated or destroyed.

If you see a bear, please let us know! Call Banff Dispatch at 403.762.1470

Did you know… the trail conditions report gives current wildlife related warnings and closures. Check it out before you head out!

Weekly Bear Sightings

November 13 to November 19, 2009

Species, Number and Locations

Single Black Bear

  • Vermilion Lakes x 2

Black Bear Females with Cubs

  • no reports

Single Grizzly Bears

  • Vermilion Lakes
  • Lake Louise Shoreline Trail
  • 1A - Castle Junction
  • Town of Banff

Grizzly Bear Females with Cubs

  • no reports

Unidentified Bears

  • no reports

Previous Weeks' Bear Sightings

Reminders:
The bear sightings report provides an overview of where bears have been sighted on a weekly basis. Bears can move quickly and are found throughout the park. Thus be aware:

  • If you’re hiking or biking in the mountain parks, you may encounter a bear anytime, anywhere. The more you know about bear ecology and behaviour, and how to act in the event of a bear encounter, the safer you will be.
  • The bear sightings is only posted weekly. Bears can move long distances in a very short period of time. Just because a bear has been sighted on a particular trail, doesn’t mean it will be there an hour later.
  • The bear sightings report is not a bear “tracking” report. Currently, we are not collaring bears for research purposes in Banff NP. The report will be based on bear sightings by Park staff and researchers, as well as those phoned in by the public.
  • To report a bear sighting in the park, call Banff Dispatch (24-hours) at 403.762.1470

 
Last Updated: 2009-11-20 To the top
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