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!
BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (Nov.27, 2025)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
There have not been any recent bear sightings in the Bow Valley, but with the warm(ish) weather, there continue to be bear sightings in Kananaskis Country…so not all bears have denned yet! The bears that are still moving out on the landscape have one thing on their mind: food, food and more food. These bears may be distracted while they forage, so they may easily be startled, which is likely what happened during a recent incident in Yoho National Park where a grizzly bear charged and injured a trail runner (who was not carrying bear spray) in a surprise encounter. Related article: Traps set for grizzly bear that injured runner in Yoho National Park. It is important to stay bear aware and always be mentally prepared for possible encounters with wildlife!
Trail users should carry bear spray year-round in an easily accessible location (not in backpacks), make lots of noise, try to recreate in a group (as opposed to going out alone), always be aware of their surroundings (i.e. look for tracks & scat in the snow), and try to recreate during daylight hours as wildlife such as cougars are most active at dawn, dusk and at night. This can be tricky during the winter months as darkness comes earlier than usual...so always carry a good head-lamp (just in case) and do your best to go out in a group as there is safety in numbers! It is also best to keep your dogs on a leash and if you are not able to do that, consider leaving them at home to give tired elk and deer some peace and quiet and time to recover from the busy and stressful rutting season.
Bear spray is also effective against wildlife that are active year-round such as cougars, wolves, coyotes and elk. The recent snow and forecasted colder weather will likely encourage any bears still out on the landscape to go into their winter dens but remember that some male bears might stay out of their dens until mid-December, and even into January.
Archive photo of a grizzly bear out in the snow. Grizzly bears such as this one could still be out and about on the landscape!
This morning, an Elk with Christmas lights tangled in its antlers was seen near Benchlands Terrace in Canmore. Holiday decorations, loose and low-hanging cords, lights, and wires can become tangled in the antlers of deer, elk, and moose which can be dangerous, causing injuries or exhaustion. If entangled, the animal is often unable to untangle from the obstruction itself. Residents and business owners should walk their property and remove items that could potentially result in a wildlife entanglement incident. To protect these animals:
Secure lights to buildings instead of trees (especially within 10 feet of the ground).
Ensure strings of lights are secured tightly to buildings so they don’t sag, and avoid stringing lights between multiple trees or across open spaces (when strings of lights are wrapped around low bushes, elk and deer may get their antlers tangled in them).
Consider using cord-free decorations.
Use timers to conserve energy and preserve the night sky.
After the holidays, remove lights and decorations promptly.
Keeping wildlife wild is a shared responsibility. Let's make it a safe and happy holiday season for everyone, including our wildlife friends!
Click here to read and download the full PDF version of the article “A Holiday Decorating Guide for the Bow Valley” from the December 2022 Mountain Real Estate Magazine.
For those using a mobile device, click here to view the article online.
Photo of an Elk this morning in Canmore (near Benchlands Terrace) with Christmas lights tangled in its antlers!
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!
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
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 30 metres or 3 bus lengths) and do not try to sneak past them on the trail! Never approach elk for ANY reason and keep your pets on a leash. If an elk charges, position a large object (e.g. car, large tree) between you and the elk or consider using bear spray.
SLOW DOWN: Drivers need to take extra care and heed warning when they see wildlife signage showing wildlife on the road and remember to drive carefully, obey speed limits, and scan for 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.
HUNTERS need to be aware and 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). If you are recreating, please remain alert of your surroundings and avoid dead animals.
YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED - Canmore Area Trails Master Plan engagement
Alberta Forestry and Parks (AFP) has launched public engagement on the draft Canmore Area Trails Master Plan (trails plan, previously titled the Canmore Area Trails Strategy). You are invited to review and provide input towards the draft plan. The trails plan is focused on the trails on Crown land (parks and public lands) but also considers trail connections and connectivity with trails managed by municipal partners and nearby jurisdictions.
This phase of public engagement will be active from November 26, 2025 to January 9, 2026. Feedback will be received through an online survey and interactive mapping exercise. Click here for more information about the engagement.
AFP welcomes and values your feedback as they strive to develop an overarching plan that will guide future planning and design of trails in the Canmore area, while protecting valuable ecosystems.
The draft Canmore Area Trails Master Plan can be accessed here
The online survey can be accessed here
The interactive mapping activity can be accessed here
If you have any further questions regarding this engagement, contact kananaskis.projects@gov.ab.ca
Please help us get the word out by sharing this information with your friends, family and colleagues!
WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM
Join Wildlife Ambassador Karen to learn about signs left by wildlife.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
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. There is still 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! These programs are first-come first-served while funds are available.
Click here to view a handy Fruit-Bearing Trees & Shrubs Identification Guide!
Living in the Bow Valley means wildproofing your property. Patios and crawl spaces under sheds or stairs are attractive hiding or denning places for cougars, foxes, bears, coyotes, and other animals. Proactive prevention is the best way to keep carnivores from taking up residence in your residence so be sure to close off gaps under stairs, decks or sheds. Blocking holes and covering access to hiding places will keep your pets and neighbours safe, and could prevent the need to relocate or kill habituated wild animals. Spring is the best time to wild-proof your property, with an extra check before winter.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Grizzly bear charges and injures trail runner in Yoho National Park.
Canmore fireguards building 'ecological stepping stones' for bears and elk.
Banff forest may be thinned to help cut back elk deaths on train tracks.
If the grizzly that attacked a B.C. school group is found, what happens next?
2nd grizzly bear captured following B.C. attack (watch video).
B.C. Conservation Officer shares update after Bear attack on students.
In the wake of Bella Coola bear attack, some call for B.C. to revisit ban on grizzly hunt.
Sow and 2 cubs likely involved in Bella Coola grizzly attack on school group.
Rescuers ‘punched and kicked’ grizzly during attack, says Nuxalk Nation chief.
2 in critical condition after grizzly bear attack involving children in Bella Coola: officials
3 children, 1 adult recovering after rare grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola.
Bear injures elderly man in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
WOW! What a night! Huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Biosphere Institute’s 4th annual Square Dance Fundraiser! Your energy, generosity, and willingness to laugh, play, and be a little silly together made the night unforgettable. We had an absolute blast getting together and dancing with our wonderful community. Events like this remind us how important it is to come together in community - to move, connect, and lift each other up. It was a sold out event of 150 people dancing the night away to the fantastic music by the 7-piece band Hip to be Square Collective, all led by our fearless square dance caller, Leslie Gotfrit!
Thanks again to Cornerstone Theatre and Wild Life Distillery for their generous sponsorship of the event as well as all of our amazing silent auction donors. Thank you also to Carter-Ryan Gallery and Flying Pigs Environmental Services for their sponsorship donations too! See y’all in Nov.2026!
Click here to see some fabulous photos from the event, courtesy of Burstall Media.
Many thanks from the Biosphere Institute’s staff (pictured L to R): Tanya, Kendra, Gareth, Grace, Nick and Jackie.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join the Green Team at the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup 2025 from Dec.2-8!
A huge thank you to those who have already signed up — we’re so grateful! We have 15 of 34 Green Team shifts filled, and we’re still looking for a few more awesome volunteers to help educate attendees and athletes about proper waste sorting as we work toward a goal of diverting 85% of event waste. No prior experience is needed, just a positive attitude and a love for keeping the Bow Valley beautiful!
Why volunteer?
• Short, fun shifts
• Meet incredible people from around the world
• Be part of an international event at the Canmore Nordic Centre
• Support your community and make a real environmental impact
Click here to sign-up and select "Green Team" (#10 in the list) when choosing your volunteer role.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec.8 - Earth Talks: Co-Creating a Sustainable Future: Adaptation & Advocacy
Join Dr. Marc Pons and Stephanie Korolyk from Protect Our Winters (POW) for our next Earth Talks presentation about adaptation challenges and future sustainability in the winter/ski sports industry. Protect Our Winters is a non-profit organization that advocates for policy solutions to climate change by uniting the outdoor community, including enthusiasts, professional athletes, and industry leaders. Attendees will learn…
What a sustainable future looks like for the winter ski/sports industry
How outdoor recreation is a critical part of Canada's economy of the future
How to be an imperfect advocate, and the importance of having your voice heard with elected officials
This FREE Earth Talks event, with the Biosphere Institute, will take place on Monday, December 8 at 7pm in the Friends Program Room at the Canmore Public Library. Registration is required to attend in-person, or you can join online LIVE via Zoom by clicking here.
Stephanie Korolyk from Protect Our Winters (POW).
Dec.11 - Harnessing the Power of Food: Varenyky Making Workshop
Join the Co+Kitchen, Biosphere Institute and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of the Bow Valley for a varenyky (pyrohy/perogi) making workshop on Dec.11 at 5:30pm at the Co+Kitchen in Canmore. Connect with community, cook, learn and enjoy a meal together! Click here for tickets! If you are a Ukrainian newcomer, use the promocode "CANMORE100" to access a FREE ticket.
Nov.13-Dec.31 - In Search of Christmas Spirit
Discover the wonder of Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise this holiday season with In Search of Christmas Spirit. Step into an enchanting outdoor experience that brings the spirit of the season to life in the most breathtaking way. Twinkling lights guide your path as you embark on a heartwarming journey through the Cascade of Time Garden, where you’ll witness a live Christmas story told by the animals of Banff National Park. Tickets are now available for Nov.27-Dec.7. Tickets from Dec.11-31 will be available on Dec.1 at 10am.
In Search of Christmas Spirit is a free outdoor walking trail but tickets are required. All times are 4:30-9pm. PHOTOS: Magical wildlife trail returns with Christmas spirit in Banff.
Dec.20 - Banff-Canmore Christmas Bird Count
The annual Christmas Bird Count is a citizen science project that operates through the participation and commitment of individuals in the Bow Valley. The 2025 Count will be held on Saturday, December 20th from 8am-5pm. There will be the traditional potluck dinner and count compilation afterwards (starting at 5:30 pm) at 101 Bear Street – above the Banff Public Library. Please contact either the Banff or Canmore coordinator directly if you would like to like to be involved this year:
Banff: hjdempsey@shaw.ca
Canmore: ethan@suechick.com
January 18 - Winter Safety Day
Save the Date! Join Alberta Parks and The Friends of Kananaskis Country on January 18 for this free event at Canoe Meadows Day Use in Kananaskis Country! There will be many things to do and see all surrounding winter safety. Experience how to read avalanche terrain, use a transceiver, how to build an emergency shelter, meet an avalanche dog, learn about winter animal tracks and much much more! WildSmart and the Wildlife Ambassadors will also be there to chat with folks about winter wildlife safety and responsible trail use. There will be fun and learning for the whole family. Bring a travel mug to enjoy some hot chocolate.
April 18 - Bear Day 2026!
Save the Date! Bear Day 2026 will be on Saturday April 18, 2026 at the Canmore Nordic Centre. This event is a celebration and welcoming of bears back on the landscape for another year. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the bears in our area and to refresh your bear safety knowledge and skills so you are prepared for the upcoming season. More details to follow in the New Year…
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