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 (July 17, 2025)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
There continue to be numerous bear sightings and reports of bears feeding on berries along trails, roadsides, in residential areas, and campgrounds throughout the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country resulting in several new warnings and closures to be put in place (see below). K-Country is very busy with bears, and even though in Canmore it has been relatively quiet, the Canmore Nordic Centre and Grassi Lakes Trail are getting regular visits by black bears looking for ripe berries.
A reminder that a warning gets put in place for an elevated risk of encounters, and closures are put in place to give bears space and protect the public - so please respect them!
Be prepared and on the lookout for bears feeding on buffaloberries while you recreate, as many berry bushes are found along popular trails. Making lots of noise is the best way to alert bears of your presence and it gives them time to clear the area. That being said, bears will be focused on eating berries and even if you make noise, bears may not move off berry patches. As such, you should be expecting close encounters during berry season and always have good situational awareness. Mentally prepare for this and understand how you should react! This includes carrying your bear spray, knowing how to use it and using it if the situation warrants it. Always be aware of your surroundings and give bears the space they need (at least 100 m or 10 school bus lengths) to forage undisturbed in this crucial, short window of time.
Mountain bikers and Trail Runners need to be making lots of noise (yelling and shouting) on the trails, especially up at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Bears are feeding on berries very close to trails and bikers/runners are coming up on them quickly with little warning to the bears. In addition to letting wildlife know they are coming down the trail (by making noise), bikers/runners should slow down to avoid surprise encounters with wildlife, especially around blind corners, at the tops of hills, or in areas with thick vegetation and poor sight lines.
Two young grizzly bears feeding roadside in K-Country on July 12, 2025. The mother and third cub are hidden behind the trees.
Campers: Reminder to campers to be diligent in keeping ALL wildlife attractants secure from bears including food, garbage, recycling, pet food and any other scented items. Lock them in vehicles, hard-sided trailers or bear-proof storage lockers and never leave these items unattended, even for a minute. Never leave food and scented items in tents as bears can easily access them. Always dispose of garbage in bear-proof bins. We can’t prevent bears from walking through our picnic areas and campsites, but we can certainly do our best not to give them a food reward or reason to linger!
Elk: Even though elk calving season is over, this is no time to become complacent. Mother elk will still aggressively defend their calves if they feel threatened by people getting too close! Never approach elk for any reason, stay at least 30 metres (3 school bus lengths) away from all elk and DO NOT TRY TO SNEAK PAST THEM on a trail! Even bikers should not be trying to sneak past elk on the trails. Keep pets on a leash and 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 around Canmore.
Moose with calf in K-Country. Stay at least 30 metres (3 school bus lengths) away from all moose and elk and never try to sneak past them!
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Bear Closure - Commonwealth Valley and the surrounding area (see map below) due to multiple grizzly bears frequenting and feeding in the area.
Bear Closure - Rawson Lake Trail & Sarrail Ridge route due to a grizzly bear with cubs that bluffed charged hikers.
Bear Warning - Lusk Creek, Stoney Creek Group Campground and U of C Barrier Lake Research Station due to an adult grizzly bear that has been seen in the area and in the cut blocks behind the U of C Research Station.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
We are in berry season and it is important to note that buffaloberries are often found in sunny areas along trails, roads and recreation areas, so trail users should always expect to encounter a bear while out on the trails or at day use areas. Bears will have their heads down focused on eating berries and not paying attention, so it is up to all of us to make lots of noise to alert them of our presence to help avoid those surprise encounters. Let bears know you are in the area. Call out, clap, sing or talk loudly especially near streams, dense vegetation, and berry patches, on windy days, and in areas of low visibility. To reduce the risk of encounters you should also:
Travel in tight groups! Larger size groups are less likely to have a serious bear encounter. We recommend hiking in a tight group of four or more. Never let children wander.
Always carry bear spray, ensure it is accessible, and know how to use it before you head out on the trails. Bear spray can help deter other large mammals too such as cougars, wolves, coyotes, elk, deer and moose.
Watch for fresh bear signs. Tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs and turned-over rocks are all signs that a bear has been in the area. Leave the area if the signs are fresh.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times (it is the law) or leave it at home. Dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears.
Stay on official trails and travel during daylight hours.
You should consider following these best practices anytime you are out in bear country!
Bears and other wildlife continue to be seen on and near roads. Remember to obey speed limits and slow down when passing wildlife but don’t stop and create bear jams - and always stay in your vehicle! Never get out of your vehicle to get closer to a bear that is roadside. It stresses out and disturbs the bear, and is potentially dangerous for you, the bear and other motorists. The safety and well-being of wildlife is far more important than you getting that perfect picture. Give bears at least 100m of space at all times and do not linger near wildlife feeding roadside - keep moving along! The Friends of Kananaskis Country have some great Tips for Roadside Wildlife Viewing for motorists and cyclists.
Help Shape the Future - The Plan for Parks
Albertans are invited to share their feedback on this updated strategic direction for the recreation and conservation of areas managed under the Provincial Parks Act—including provincial parks, provincial recreation areas, and wildland provincial parks. Click here to review the draft plan, access the online survey, and explore all related engagement materials.
The draft plan focuses on four main goals:
Welcoming and accessible parks for all Albertans, including inclusive programs and Indigenous language integration.
Conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, with stronger partnerships for environmental protection.
Diverse, nature-based experiences, from quiet wilderness to family recreation.
Transparent, long-term park management supported by science, sustainability, and community input.
You can help shape this vision. Take the province's online survey by July 26 to share your feedback.
WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM
Wildlife Ambassador Derek is back to talk about Buffaloberries and how YOU can try them without getting a mouthful of soap!
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. July 19 - Parks Day at Boulton Bridge Day Use Area in K-Country | July 20 - West Bragg Creek
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Berry season is here and there have already been sightings of bears feasting on delicious ripe buffaloberries! This is a crucial feeding period for both black and grizzly bears and they take this job very seriously, eating up to 200,000 berries per day and focusing on it for over 20 hours per day! As such, bears will have their heads down feeding on berries. They can be very defensive of their berry bushes, especially if surprised. We need to make extra noise and be vigilant (that means NOT wearing headphones/earbuds) when travelling through bear country.
Shepherdia canadensis, more commonly known as Buffaloberry. Red berries are most common but they can also be orange or yellow.
Bear scat can be an indication of bear activity in the area. During berry season bear scat looks a lot like strawberry jam! Keep an eye out for it on the trails and do not linger in areas with fresh scat. If you do stumble upon some fresh scat out on the trails, remember to be extra vigilant, make extra noise to alert potential bears of your presence, and consider turning around if you are not prepared to handle a possible encounter with a bear. Always have your bear spray readily accessible!
During berry season bear scat looks a lot like strawberry jam!
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Caution advised as hungry bears look for buffaloberries in Bow Valley.
Texada Island’s lone grizzly bear found dead after being shot.
Controversial grizzly bear killed on B.C. island.
Inside the secret plan to relocate a wayward B.C. grizzly bear on Texada Island.
Stranded hiker saves himself after being stalked by bear and cougar.
Updated: COS investigating 'concerning cougar activity in the Whistler area'.
Hokkaido's first bear warning issued in town after fatal attack in Japan.
‘Right time, right place’: Paddlers rescue foal stuck in Kananaskis River.
Grizzly bear killed while roaming in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
Rare black bear sighting in Erin, ON prompts safety warning from police.
Three black bears killed over two days in Ucluelet, B.C.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
On Tuesday, the Biosphere team and two Wildlife Ambassadors took part in a peaceful forest bathing session with Margaret from Kinship Guiding. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that encourages you to fully engage your five senses while spending time in nature.
We began with mindful breathing to help ground ourselves in the present moment, followed by a slow walk through the forest while tuning in to its sights, sounds, scents, and textures.
Forest bathing has been shown to lower stress levels, strengthen the immune system, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. A big thank you to Margaret for leading this calming and restorative experience, and for reminding us to take time to pause and connect with nature.
Banff Ave Brewing Co. Charity Tap - Cheers to Local Conservation!
A huge thank you to Banff Ave Brewing Co. for choosing the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and WildSmart as beneficiaries of their Community Beer program!
Did You Know? From July to September, $1 from every 16 oz Rider’s Signet-ure Dragon Fruit Kölsch goes directly to support our work in environmental education and human-wildlife coexistence. Your pint helps make a real difference in the Bow Valley supporting local conservation efforts, community engagement, and a more sustainable future. Thank you, Banff Ave Brewing Co., for your incredible support!
(From L to R): Biosphere staff members Kendra, Tanya, Grace and Gareth - who biked from Canmore to Banff for a taste of the delicious Rider’s Signet-ure Dragon Fruit Kölsch!
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join the Green Team for a Zero Waste Folk Fest 2025!
If you're passionate about sustainability and want to make a hands-on impact, volunteer with the Green Team at the Canmore Folk Music Festival from Aug.1-4, 2025! You'll help sort compost, recycling, and garbage, supporting the event’s goal to move Towards Zero Waste. Last year, we achieved an incredible 91% waste diversion rate, and we’re aiming even higher this year!
Sign up for two shifts and receive a free full weekend pass. No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm! It’s a great opportunity to get involved with the community, help the planet, and listen to some great tunes. Sign up here and indicate that you would like to help with the "Environment Team” and we’ll follow up with relevant details.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Alberta Parks and The Friends of Kananaskis Country are hosting a Parks Day celebration on Saturday July 19 from 12-3pm at Boulton Bridge Day Use Area in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
This free family friendly public event will have a variety of talks, games, interactive displays, a LIVE Interpretive Show, guided bear walks, cake and much more! Our Wildlife Ambassadors will also be there with their hands-on interactive booth. Come on by, learn how to use bear spray and chat with them about responsible trail use, managing wildlife attractants, and how we can all work together to improve human-wildlife coexistence. Click here for the schedule of events and more info!
NOTE: Parks Day on Saturday July 19 is a Kananaskis Conservation Pass FREE day!
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