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BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (Nov.5, 2026)

(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)

It was another quiet week for bear sightings in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, and the colder weather will likely speed up the process of bears heading into their dens. According to GPS data, all of the collared grizzly bears are still active and most of them have moved up to higher elevations at or near the tree line in denning territory, but other collared (and non-collared) bears continue to be seen out and about searching for last minute calories. Those calories should not be coming from people and bears will be searching for easy food sources. With food getting scarce, it is extra important for trail and day users to make sure NO attractants are left unattended that could attract bears. For residents - make sure your yard is free of all potential attractants that bears and other wildlife might try to eat such as fruit (on trees and on the ground), pumpkins, bird feeders, unsecured garbage, greasy bbq's and pet food.

Remote camera and collar data have shown that some males like to stay out on the landscape into mid-December, and even into January (for instance “The Boss” is often seen along the Great Divide ski trail by Lake Louise until at least the New Year). With this in mind, it is important that we don’t become complacent when heading out on the trails and that we are mentally prepared for possible encounters with wildlife! Remember to carry bear spray year-round in an easily accessible location (not in your backpack), know how to use it and use it if required.

Although bear sightings have slowed down, there continue to be reports of wildlife being hit and killed by vehicles on Highway 1, most recently a female wolf. SLOW DOWN: Remember to drive carefully, obey speed limits, and slow down when passing wildlife that may be feeding or lingering roadside. Motorists need to be extra alert (especially at dawn and dusk) as the days are getting shorter and the number of darkness hours are increasing.
RELATED ARTICLE: Female wolf killed on highway in Yoho National Park.

The elk rut is over but numerous elk continue to be seen all throughout town which means you have to be alert and you may have to choose an alternate route while out for a walk/run/ride. Give plenty of space to ALL ELK (at least 100 metres or 10 bus lengths) and do not try to sneak past them on the trail! Never approach elk for ANY reason, never get between a male elk and the female elk, and keep your pets on a leash. Remember: Always carry bear spray in an easily accessible location, and if an elk charges, position a large object (e.g. car, large tree) between you and the elk or consider using your bear spray.

HUNTERS need to be cautious as, due to the nature of their activity, they are intentionally being quiet on the landscape. They should always be bear aware and carry bear spray with them while out hunting! Bear spray can save the life of the hunter AND the bear(s).
RELATED ARTICLE: Alberta hunter recalls own grizzly bear close call, urges hunting safety.

VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES

Please report any sightings of a bear, cougar, wolf or any aggressive wildlife in the Bow Valley or K-Country to Kananaskis Dispatch at 403-591-7755. In Banff, call Dispatch at 403.762.1470. They prefer to get the reports first hand from the people who see the wildlife!

THE IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING WILDLIFE: Many people believe that reporting a bear in town, especially your backyard, is a death sentence for that bear. The truth is quite the opposite. By not reporting a bear, you are allowing the bear to learn bad behaviours (such as feeding in fruit trees, lingering in backyards, feeding at bird feeders, eating pet food, eating garbage etc.) and you teach the bear that it is OK to come into town and eat unnatural food sources - when in fact it is not OK and it will eventually lead to its death.

SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND

Two year ago, one of the largest male grizzly bears from Banff National Park, aka “The Boss”, ventured east on Nov.3, 2024 and was seen eating crabapples during the day in Harvie Heights. Later that evening, he continued east and several residents, especially dog-walkers, were surprised and shocked to see the large bruin cruising down the streets of the Cougar Creek neighbourhood in Canmore. WATCH THIS VIDEO of the “The Boss” causing a stir in Canmore. Municipal enforcement officers monitored the bear as it was travelling through town and reported it was not accessing wildlife attractants and was not acting aggressive. The large grizzly bear safely wandered back through Harvie Heights on Nov.4, 2024 heading westbound into Banff National Park again. We want to emphazise a few very important points that came from the large male grizzly bear wandering into Harvie Heights and Canmore:

Bears are still out and about in November, so always be prepared and carry bear spray!
Always walk with your dog on-leash as you never know what kind of wildlife you may run into on the trails and in town.
The first call that residents should be making when they see a bear in their backyard or neighbourhood should be to report it to Kananaskis Dispatch at 403-591-7755. That first phone call should NOT be to Commercial Photographers who will flock to see the bear.
By reporting the bear, you are actually helping to keep that bear out of trouble by preventing it from learning bad behaviours that could get it killed. If you want to help save bears, report all sightings of bears in town!
The whole community has a responsibility in removing wildlife attractants to keep people and wildlife safe, that is what human-wildlife coexistence is all about. It is crucial to make sure you do not have any attractants such as fruit (on trees and on the ground), garbage, pet food, bird feeders, compost, greasy bbqs and pumpkins on your property! You don't want to be responsible for drawing a bear like the Boss into town and getting him into trouble...not to mention the potential public safety concerns.

Large male grizzly bear ‘The Boss’ in Harvie Heights one-year ago on Nov.3, 2024.

WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM

Wildlife Ambassador Derek gets up close with some bear poop, let’s see what we can find out!

A not so little present left behind by “The Boss” on Nov.4, 2024. Definitely some fruit in there…

FOOD FOR THOUGHT?

If you have not already done so, please dispose of your pumpkins properly and do not leave them outside inviting them to get smashed up by pranksters or eaten by wildlife. You don’t want to attract a visitor to your door after Halloween like in this video. In Canmore, pumpkins should be disposed of in the bear-proof Residential Food Waste Containers and remember to remove candles and other non-organic decorations! IMPORTANT: Do not leave pumpkins on the ground next to bins if they are full! In Canmore. Call 403.678.1580 if you see a bin that needs to be emptied. In Banff, if the bins are full, call 403.762.1240.

Please ensure that your yards are free of ALL attractants so that bears do not find anything to eat and subsequently get into trouble! If you have a fruit tree, such as a crabapple (including ornamental crabapples), mountain ash or chokecherry - picking fruit every year is a lot of work so the recommended long-term solution is to remove your fruit tree. If you know you have a fruit tree on your property, you may as well get FREE money and save bears by applying for the Town of Canmore’s Fruit Tree Removal and Replacement Incentive NOW! There is still plenty of money remaining in the budget this year for the Town of Canmore’s Fruit Tree Removal and Replacement Incentive Program so we urge you to consider removing your fruit tree now while the funds are available! Click here for more details!

WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS

Mother and daughter killed in suspected grizzly attack near Bella Coola, B.C.
Conservation officer says multiple bears may be behind B.C. attack that killed two.
14 grizzlies killed under Alberta Responder Program - MLA raises concerns.
Suspected cougar attack left two horses injured outside Raymore, Sask.
Mountain lion calls into night with sound that might surprise you.
Bear killings skyrocket as garbage and bird feeders draw them into conflict.
Polar bear arrival in Manitoba town prompts safety concerns and conservation opportunity.
Passengers spend night on train after it collides with bear in Japan.
Squamish B.C. bear with 'extensive conflict history' destroyed.
A dramatic bear hunt in a midsize Japanese city could be a harbinger of what is to come.

AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS

WildSmart friend Libby has been teaching a Nature Sketch Series at artsPlace in Canmore, with each class focusing on a different theme, where participants learn the technical skills to draw a particular subject while also exploring the natural history behind it. On Oct.16, Libby taught a lesson on drawing skulls, using our skull replicas as 3D reference specimens.

We love it when art and nature come together like this and we are happy to be a part of it! Everyone had a great time in the class and really appreciated having the real thing to sketch. Here are some photos from the session and the skull shown below is from a white tail deer. Very impressive work!

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

1.) Square Dance Fundraiser - Friday, Nov.13 | Canmore Creekside Hall

Get ready to dance! We're looking for volunteers to help with our annual Square Dance Fundraiser at Canmore Creekside Hall. Volunteer opportunities include event set-up, selling drink and 50/50 tickets, refreshments, and clean-up. Volunteer perk: Sign up for a minimum of two hours and receive a FREE ticket to the event! You're welcome to dance the night away whenever you're not on shift. Click here to sign up to volunteer! Questions? Contact resource@biosphereinstitute.org.

2.) Building for Sustainability Symposium - Wednesday, Nov.25 | Canmore Opera House

We're looking for volunteers to help with the opening evening of the 2026 Building for Sustainability Symposium, as well as a building retrofit information session earlier that day. Volunteer opportunities:

12:30–1:30 PM: Event set-up (tables and chairs)
3:30–4:30 PM: Selling drink tickets
5:00–8:00 PM: Symposium registration table
6:30–8:30 PM: Event support (bussing tables and general tidying)
8:30–9:30 PM: Event clean-up (tables and chairs)

PAID BARTENDING OPPORTUNITY - We're also looking for two bartenders from 3:30–8:30 PM. Must be 18+ with valid ProServe certification. Simple beverage service only (canned drinks and pouring wine; no cocktails).

Volunteer perk: All volunteers will receive FREE access to the Municipal Plenary on November 25! INTERESTED? Email: kendra@biosphereinstitute.org to learn more or sign up for a shift.

We Need Your Vote! Help Grow ReUse Bow Valley

Our proposal is in the running for Field Law's Community Program Fund. Help us expand ReUse Bow Valley with an expanded, longer-term, dedicated space for furniture and household goods, keeping useful items out of the landfill and making everyday essentials more affordable.

Our current construction materials ReUse Hub has already diverted over 5,000 lbs of materials valued at $12,800! With your vote, we can build on this success and build out our household Reuse Hub. Vote for our project and help make it happen!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov.13 - Do-Si-Do with the Biosphere at our 4th Annual Square Dance Community Fundraiser! We are excited about our Square Dance at Creekside Hall in Canmore. Tickets are SOLD OUT and we look forward to a night of boot-stompin' fun with y’all! Fire in the hole!

Nov.19 - Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the Bow Valley Workshops
Is Your Business or Property EV Ready? Join Our Free Workshops!
Upcoming Workshops: Nov.19, Dec.2 and Jan.21

The Nov.19 workshop is ONLINE from 10-11am - click here for the Zoom link to join online.

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow, businesses, property managers, and communities need to prepare for increasing demand for charging infrastructure. We are hosting a series of free EV charging infrastructure workshops to help participants better understand EV charging options, electrical requirements, installation considerations, costs, and practical steps for planning and implementing charging infrastructure.

These workshops are designed for business owners, property managers, condo boards, developers, municipal staff, tourism and hospitality operators, and anyone interested in learning more about EV charging. No prior EV knowledge is required! All workshops are FREE, but registration is required. Explore upcoming sessions and reserve your spot through our EV Charging Workshop Registration Page.

Nov.23 - Earth Talks | Beyond Fuel Reduction: Community Science and the Future of Fireguards for People and Wildlife. How do mountain meadows support wildlife in the Bow Valley? Join local ecologist Jonathan Farr for November’s Earth Talk to discover how species like bison, elk, and bighorn sheep rely on mountain meadows for crucial forage throughout the seasons. Explore how wildfire risk reduction efforts could help restore these important habitats, and how community science and stewardship can support healthier landscapes for wildlife. Monday, Nov.23 | 7–8pm at Canmore Public Library (Friends Program Room). Free or by donation and registration is required. SOLD OUT - You can join the waitlist here!

Nov.25-27 - Join us for the 4th Annual Building for Sustainability Symposium in Canmore for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration as we explore innovative solutions to building more sustainable, resilient communities.

This year's Symposium brings together industry professionals, municipal leaders, researchers, and sustainability experts for inspiring keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and field trips showcasing sustainable building practices across the Bow Valley. Whether you're a builder, developer, designer, policymaker, or simply passionate about sustainability, there's something for everyone! Don't miss out! Click here to explore the program and register today!

Please remember BEARS CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

Report any sightings of a bear, cougar, wolf or any aggressive wildlife in Kananaskis Country or the Bow Valley to Kananaskis Dispatch at 403.591.7755

Bear Report - Nov.5, 2026