Did you know that WildSmart is a program of the Biosphere Institute, a local charity? Our work relies entirely on donations and sponsors. If you would like to support our community-based efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence, please donate!
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!
BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (June 12, 2025)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
There continue to be consistent bear sightings in Canmore (mostly black bears) and regular bear sightings throughout the Bow Valley and in Kananaskis Country (roadside along Highway 40 and near the golf courses), often feeding on green grass and dandelions along highways, roads and trails. Make lots of noise (yell, shout) to let wildlife know you are coming down the trail to avoid surprise encounters, and give them time to move off of the trail. Always be prepared to encounter bears throughout the Bow and Kananaskis Valleys. If you know of or have heard of bear activity in a given area, please consider recreating elsewhere!
Speed kills wildlife! This applies everywhere, but especially on Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) and Highway 40. Here are some key reminders for motorists:
Obey speed limits and slow down when passing wildlife. Consider slowing to 30 km/h when passing wildlife roadside.
Give bears at least 100m of space at all times! Do not linger near wildlife feeding roadside and keep moving along.
Do not stop to view wildlife and always stay in your vehicle.
Be extra vigilant at dawn, dusk and during night time hours to avoid collisions with wildlife. Bears, as well as all sorts of other animals, are still utilizing the roadside ditches for feeding on the natural vegetation such as green grass and dandelions, which fulfills important habitat needs for these animals at this time of year.
Seeing wildlife roadside (or ON the road) can be an awesome experience, but it's critical for the safety of the wildlife, and yours too, that you do it right. The Friends of Kananaskis Country have some great Tips for Roadside Wildlife Viewing for motorists and cyclists.
The photo below was taken with an iPhone by a 7-year old from the back seat of a car moving at 70 km/h while driving in the left hand lane. As you can see, you can still get a good picture of a bear feeding roadside without stopping or getting out of your vehicle. Be a good neighbour and give wildlife the space they need (and deserve) to feed undisturbed!
Photo taken by a 7-year old from a moving car going 70 km/hr!
Campers need to be diligent in keeping wildlife attractants secured (food, garbage and anything with a scent) by locking them in vehicles, hard-sided trailers or bear proof storage lockers, when not on-site or overnight. Do not leave food unattended, even for a minute, and do not burn food in fire pits or leave any garbage or food waste in fire pits or around campsites and cooking areas. Always dispose of garbage in bear-proof bins.
The Elk Calving Warning remains in effect for Canmore. Some elk calves are already mobile and moving around with less defensive mothers, however there continue to be other cow elk showing aggression towards people who are getting too close to their calves! These incidents are occurring on both sides of the valley along trails and near green spaces. Calves are often hidden in dense vegetation along the trails so extra vigilance is required.
People need to stay well away from ALL elk to prevent a physical confrontation with them. If you see any elk, immediately leave the area and DO NOT TRY TO SNEAK PAST THEM. Even bikers should not be trying to sneak past elk on the trails. Turn around and go the opposite direction and give elk lots of space, at least 30m (3 school bus lengths), keep your pets on a leash and always carry bear spray and be prepared to use it. With bears being seen around Canmore, and aggressive mother elk protecting their calves, it is a good idea to be carrying your bear spray whenever you leave the house to go out for a walk, run or ride! Bear spray should always be carried while recreating on the local trails in and around Canmore.
There is also an increased risk of encountering predators such as bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes who are looking for an easy elk calf meal. This poses more public safety risks. Do not touch or remove young calves if they are found in the woods! Newborns will spend much of their time alone in their early days and will appear lifeless in order to avoid detection by predators. Their mother is not far away…
Cow elk with calf. Remember to stay away from all elk, at least 30m (3 school bus lengths).
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Bear Warning - Burstall Pass Trail and surrounding area due to a close encounter and multiple sightings of a grizzly bear near the trailhead.
Coyote Warning - Votier's Flats Area & Day Use Area in Fish Creek PP in Calgary due to aggressive coyote(s) attempting to attack dogs.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
An important note on ‘when’ to use bear spray!
Not only do you need to carry bear spray in an easily accessible location on your body, but you also need to know when to use it. People should always give bears their space (at least 100m), but if you encounter a bear, give the bear the opportunity to do the right thing and move away while you are also backing away slowly. Bear spray should only be used when the bear approaches you, gets too close to you or charges at you. You should not be approaching a bear to spray it. If a bear is approaching you on a trail, and if safe to do so, try moving off the trail to get out of the way as bears will often travel down trails just like us, and most of the time we are simply in their way…so get out of their way, but have your bear spray ready just in case. If a bear is feeding along a trail, do not disturb it. Wait, turn around, or find another way around giving it lots of space. It is not fair to the bear if you spray it while it is feeding and minding its own business just so you can walk past it. Remember you are in their backyard, not yours, so if they are behaving and doing what they are supposed to, we need to respect that, give them space and leave them alone.
If a bear is on the trail - wait, turn around, or find another way around giving it lots of space (at least 100m). Never try to sneak past bears and it is not appropriate to approach the bear and spray it to move it off the trail.
Info about the upcoming G7
The G7 Leaders’ Summit is coming to Kananaskis from June 15-17, 2025. Due to this event, select roads, campgrounds, day-use areas, and trails in the area will be temporarily closed before, during, and after the Summit. Click here for up-to-date information and alternatives related to the G7.
To support the safety and security requirements of the Summit, the RCMP will establish a controlled access zone from June 10-18, which will impact access to parks, trails, and public lands before and after the Summit. Expect access restrictions, road closures, traffic detours, temporary closures and increased security presence. Some closures are already in place and may extend into July.
WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM
Living and recreating safely in bear country means understanding many things, from signs that bears are around, to what to do in a bear encounter. As we wander in the wilderness (or even in town sites) we are travelling in a bear’s home: their living areas, dining areas, and even their bathrooms. Recognizing the food sources that bears are currently eating can help raise your awareness of the possibility that bears are around where you are at any given moment. Every month we’re going to look at what bears are eating right now, and for the next few weeks, and in this edition of What are the Bears eating today? by Derek Ryder, Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador & IGA Interpretive Guide, it is Dandelions.
It is now mid June; EVERY bear is awake and has migrated down to the valley bottoms. Sightings of bears in towns and along roadsides have increased. Part of this is because it’s elk calving season, and a bear getting their teeth on a baby elk would be great for the bear (not so much for the elk, but then there’s a lot more elk than bears). However, bears aren’t that great when it comes to hunting, and in general, they get FAR more energy from plants than meat. Now is the time of the year for one of the “Top 5 Plant Foods for Bears in the Bow Valley”: Dandelions. Click here to read Derek’s full article about Dandelions!
Click on this image of a grizzly bear eating Dandelions to read the article!
WEEKLY WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WHEREABOUTS
In case you have not seen them yet, our amazing Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors have been heading out onto trails and trailheads! You can find them talking to people about responsible trail use and staying safe while recreating in bear country. Note: their locations may change at the last minute. June 14 - Calgary Search & Rescue Outdoor Show | June 15 - Heart Creek Trail near Canmore
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Accessing fruit trees is the number one reason why bears in the Bow Valley are relocated or killed. Be proactive and remove berry bushes and fruit trees from your yards NOW before you attract a bear into town. Your tree blossoms will blossom into bear problems later! It is your responsibility to make sure that bears do not have a reason to linger in your yard, resulting in bears being relocated or destroyed.
To make Canmore safer for wildlife and people, the Town of Canmore is reducing the financial barriers for removing fruit trees from private properties by once again offering their Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program this year to cover 100% of the cost of tree removal up to $500/property. For 2025 only, condos or commercial properties with five or more trees for removal may be eligible for additional support up to $1000/property. Don't wait for the fruit to start growing, remove them early. The program is first-come first-served while funds are available. Click here for details and how to apply.
Your crabapple tree blossoms will blossom into bear problems later! Remove them now and replace them with a non-fruit bearing alternative.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Bold black bear to be trapped & conditioned to stay away from busy areas in Banff NP.
Death of two female grizzlies on train tracks ‘pretty significant blow’ to Banff bear population.
No stopping zone issued to protect bears in Kootenay National Park.
Bold bear seeking human food forces day-use area closure in Banff National Park.
Parks Canada warns to be aware & prepared for wildlife after Waterton Lakes NP incident.
Black Bear Killed as Wildlife Conflicts Escalate in Glacier Park.
Wildfires push Manitoba bears closer to roads and communities.
Lone Texada Island grizzly bear seen chasing livestock.
Grizzly Bear Sprints Past Hikers Pursuing Mountain Goats in Glacier National Park.
Cougar sightings prompt trail closure in B.C.’s Garibaldi Park.
Bee-loving bear suspected after Harriston bee yards destroyed.
Grizzly bear shot and killed after charging Condon landowner in Montana.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Is your refundable recycling piling up? Did you know you can help support us by donating your refundable recyclables through SkipTheDepot? It's so convenient to have your refundable recyclables picked up at your door, with proceeds going to Biosphere Institute. Collections can now be scheduled in Canmore and many other towns and cities. Recycling is now as easy as 1,2,3:
1. Download the app or register online, and book a pickup by clicking on this link.
2. Place your bags outside
3. Your refund gets donated directly to the Biosphere Institute!
Spread the word and share with friends! SkipTheDepot is a great way to donate directly to the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and WildSmart. Thanks for your support!
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 14 - Community Celebration and Indigenous Market
Each June, the Town of Canmore celebrates National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day — recognizing and honouring the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Turtle Island.
Join the Town of Canmore on Saturday, June 14 from 10am to 4pm at the Canmore Civic Centre Plaza for a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture. This special day will feature an Indigenous art market with Authentically Indigenous, traditional Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda drumming and dancing, and a variety of cultural experiences for all ages. This event is free and all are welcome to join.
Click here to learn more and register for workshops and events!
June 14 - Calgary Search and Rescue Outdoor Show
Our amazing Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors will be at this great event in Calgary with their hands-on interactive wildlife display on Saturday, June 14 from 12-5pm at the Capitol Hill Community Association in Calgary. Come on by and learn how to use bear spray and chat with them about responsible trail use and how we can all work together to improve human-wildlife coexistence!
June 18 - In-person Bear Aware in Banff
Join the Town of Banff and Parks Canada for an interactive Bear Aware session that will have you learning how to be safe in bear country. This 90-minute in-person session will be led by two Parks Canada wildlife specialists and includes a presentation on how to identify different types of bears, common bear behaviours and tools and tips to prevent bear encounters. You will also get hands on experience using inert bear spray. This FREE session is on Wednesday, June 18 from 7-8:30pm at The Fenlands in Banff (Registration is not required).
June 23 - Earth Talks: Meet Some Bow Valley Birds!
June in the Rockies is an amazing time to see a wide variety of birdlife. Join lifelong learner and bird lover Gareth Thomson for a family-friendly walk to see and learn about some of the birdlife in our own backyard! This free Earth Talks event requires registration and will take place on Monday, June 23rd at 7pm at the Canmore Public Library. Click here for more info and to register now!
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 Emergency Services at 403.591.7755