Banff National Park of Canada

Wildlife Hazards

Bear Safety Essentials

General:

• All bears are dangerous - NEVER approach or feed a bear.
• Keep children nearby and in sight at ALL TIMES.
• Know what to do if you encounter a bear - read Bear & People: A Guide to Safey & Conservation

When Hiking or Cycling:

• Know your route and destination. Seek information about bear activity BEFORE setting out.
• Hike or cycle in groups of three or more. Be alert and make noise.
• Leave your dog AT HOME. Dogs can antagonize bears.
• Stay away from dead animals - bears may attack to defend such food.
• If you see bear signs (tracks, droppings) or a bear, LEAVE THE AREA.

When Camping or Picnicking:

• NEVER leave food or garbage unsecured at your picnic or campsite.
• Store food so that bears cannot smell or reach it - in the trunk of your car, on bear poles, or in bear-proof containers.
• NEVER cook or store food, cooking utensils, toilet articles or cosmetics in your tent or tent trailer.
• Place all garbage in bear-proof containers or pack it out.
  REPORT ALL SIGHTINGS OF BEARS OR BEAR ACTIVITY TO PARK OFFICIALS

Elk

Elk can be aggressive and attack without warning. During the fall mating season (Aug - Sept) male are particularly belligerent. During the spring calving season (may - June) female elk aggressively defend their young. DO NOT approach elk in any season as they are DANGEROUS.

Deer

Deer may aggressively seek food from campers and picnickers. They may lash out with their hooves when they feel either threatened or frustrated. Dogs seem to incite the wrath of female deer, and many attacks on pets and people have occurred. DO NOT feed or approach any animal.

Vehicle / Wildlife Collisions

SLOW DOWN for wildlife. Each year hundreds of animals are killed on highways. Animals are unpredictable - be alert while driving, especially at dusk or dawn, and watch for wildlife warning signs. Give yourself time to react and don't overdrive your headlights - 70 km per hour is recommended for night driving. Report all collisions to the nearest park office or RCMP detachment.

Bison

Bison are DANGEROUS and UNPREDICTABLE. They may charge without warning. Stay in your vehicle and DON'T approach bison by the roadside. Keep at least 50 metres (150 feet) away at all times. Never come between two animals, particularly a female and her calf. Bison can weigh 2,000 pounds and sprint at 50 km per hour, three times faster than you can run.

Cougar

Cougar attacks on people are rare, but it is still important to discuss safety with your family. Children and crouching adults are most at risk. Never leave your children unattended. Avoid being alone on hiking trails at dusk or dawn, and keep pets leashed at all times. Do NOT stare into a cougar's eyes, run or crouch down. Pick up small children and back away slowly.

Ticks and Stinging Insects

Ticks are most active in spring and early summer particularly where ungulates congregate (valley bottoms and south facing slopes). Most ticks will be found before attachment occurs, by checking yourself and children daily. If a tick attaches itself to you, rashes or lesions form, or unexplained symptoms occur, consult your physician. Bees and wasps may be found at campgrounds and picnic sites. Ensure potential attractant foods such as sweet drinks and raw meat are left out as little as possible.