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Mountain Parks Main Pages
October 17, 2011
Entrance to a grizzly den in subalpine, North boundary trail in Jasper National Park © Parks Canada / Terry WinklerOver the past weeks our bear sightings have dropped off significantly as both grizzly and black bears have dispersed in search of late season feeding opportunities or have packed up and headed off to bed for the winter. Grizzlies search out den sites in the subalpine areas near treeline where they dig dens in soft ground or talus slopes on the lee side of ridgelines or near clumps of trees or krumholz where drifting snow will cover and insulate the denning area. Black bears often den in mid or lower elevation sites where they excavate holes or utilize shelter from windfalls or blown over trees. Females with young often den earlier than males.
The fall elk rut is now winding down and many of the larger bulls have left their harems and are replenishing their energy supplies prior to the onset of winter. As snow levels dust our peaks we may see a few of the hardier grizzlies and black bears moving down to the valley bottoms for the last bits of green vegetation and the opportunity to capitalize on bull elk injured in the breeding season fights. There is still a possibility of encountering a bear during your hikes and bike rides so keep a watchful eye for carrion birds such as crows, ravens and magpies which may indicate a carcass that could be protected by a hungry bear.
Please slow down when driving on Park roadways and use special caution around wildlife jams.
“Drive Safe and Drive for Wildlife”
Jasper National Park
Weekly Bear Sightings Report
October 10 - October 17, 2011 |
| Species | Location |
|---|
| Single Black Bears |
Pyramid Lake road –Cottonwood Slough |
Black Bear Females with Cubs |
Maligne Lake road w 2 cubs
Valley of the 5 Lakes w 1 cub |
Single Grizzly Bears |
Edith Cavell Verdant Pass area
Hwy 93 south - Beauty Creek
Medicine Lake
Maligne Lake - Coronet Creek |
| Grizzly Bear Females with Cubs |
No reports |
| Unidentified Bears |
No reports |
|
The
Bear Sightings Report provides an overview of where bears have been sighted on a weekly basis. It is compiled from bear sightings by parks staff, researchers, and the public.
- If you are 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.
- Be aware that bears are found throughout the park and can move long distances in a very short time period. Just because a bear has been sighted on a particular trail does not mean it will be there an hour later.
- Please check for Warnings and Closures before you hit the trail.
If you see a bear, please let us know! Report all bear sightings to the Jasper National Park Resource Conservation Office (24 hrs) at 780-852-6155.
As we enter bear season, take time to brush up on these bear safety tips:
Stay alert on the trails
- Make noise
- Look for fresh bear sign
- Travel in groups
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
- If you encounter a bear, give it LOTS of space
Drive with care
- Reduce your speed
- Stay in your vehicle when watching roadside bears – do not follow a bear into the forest
Safely store bear attractants - Keep food, garbage, recyclables, pet food, and BBQ’s in bear-proof storage or hard-sided vehicles.
More info
For more information on bears and how to stay safe in bear country, please check out the following links:
Current Warnings and Closures
Bears and People - A Guide to Safety and Conservation on the Trail
Sharing the Land with Grizzly Bears
Did you know … the trail conditions report gives current wildlife related warnings and closures. Check it out before you head out!