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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 31, 2025)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Both black and grizzly bears, including family groups, continue to be been seen throughout the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, feeding on ripe buffaloberries and other natural vegetation in residential backyards, and along trails, campgrounds and day use areas. This has resulted in more warnings and closures being put in place. Bear Warning - Hwy 40 Day Use areas from Canoe Meadows to Barrier Boat Launch due to a grizzly bear and cub that have been frequenting the area, feeding on natural vegetation. It is a good idea to find out where the bear warnings are and plan to avoid these areas in order to reduce your risk of encounters.
Be prepared and on the lookout for bears feeding on buffaloberries while you recreate, as many berry bushes are found along popular trails. As bears seek out berries, they will have their heads down focused on eating and not paying attention. It is up to us to make lots of noise to help avoid any surprise encounters, and give them time to move off the tails. That being said, bears will be focused on eating berries and even if you make noise, don’t expect bears to move for you. As such, you should be expecting close encounters during berry season and always have good situational awareness. 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.
Trail users are shocked when they encounter a bear on popular trails like Grassi Lakes as they believe due to the amount of people on the trail they would not see bears. This is not the case as the vast majority of bears in the Bow Valley are human habituated and are comfortable around people. You should always expect encounters and never be thinking “this is a popular trail so it won't happen to me.” All trail users should have a heightened awareness, keep dogs on a leash, carry bear spray and make lots of noise to alert bears of their presence.
Speed Kills
Bears and other wildlife continue to be seen on and near roads, and sadly several sheep and deer have been killed on Hwy 40 this past week in multiple vehicle strikes. People need to slow down and watch for wildlife roadside. Give yourself time to react by checking your speed and having the ability to slow down and react to wildlife encounters. 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! 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.
A grizzly bear enjoying berry season down in K-Country.
Mountain bikers and Trail Runners
This is also a more dangerous time to be doing fast activities such as mountain biking and trail running as they are moving quickly (and often quietly)! 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 - yelling and shouting), 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.
Campers: Reminder to campers to be diligent in keeping ALL wildlife attractants secure 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.
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Bear Warning - Hwy 40 Day Use areas from Canoe Meadows to Barrier Boat Launch due to a grizzly bear and cub that have been frequenting the area, feeding on natural vegetation. This warning includes: Canoe Meadows Day Use and campground, Widowmaker Day Use, Widowmaker trail, Kananaskis Visitor Info Center Day Use, Barrier Dam Day Use, and Barrier Boat Launch Day Use areas.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
BEAR SPRAY
With numerous bear sightings occuring, we will focus this portion of the bear report on bear spray and we will be answering some common questions about it.
WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM
Great job, you bought a can of bear spray...now what? For your own safety, you need to check your bear spray to make sure it is safe and ready for use! For example, you will need to remove the plastic wrap AND cut the yellow strap off! Bear spray is only useful if you can get it out and ready to use in under 2 seconds and you won’t be able to remove that plastic wrap and yellow strap in a hurry. Read this article about a safety for your safety and watch the video below!
Wildlife Ambassador Derek has some words of wisdom about the safety of your bear spray safety!
Does bear spray actually work? YES! Watch the video below and read this article on the the Efficacy of Bear Spray. Results showed that in 90% of close-range encounters with black and brown bears, bear spray stopped the bear’s undesirable behaviour. It is important to note that 98% of persons carrying it were uninjured after a close encounter with bears. Bear spray is a very effective way of deterring a bear at close range and bear spray has also been shown to be effective at deterring other wildlife such as cougars, wolves, coyotes and elk, and it should be carried while walking on well-traveled trails, including the trails in and around town.
Does bear spray hurt the bear? Bear spray is non-lethal and the effects on the bear may last anywhere from 10-45 minutes. The bear will be disoriented, confused and will likely run away as it will have difficulty seeing and breathing, giving you time to get out of a dangerous situation.
In fact, by spraying a bear that approaches or charges at you with bear spray you might actually be saving its life! When bears get too close to humans, it is the bear that pays the price by getting relocated (only about 30% successful) or destroyed. By spraying the bear, you are giving it a negative experience to teach it a lesson that it is not OK to approach humans. Hopefully this will teach it to stay away from people in the future.
What happens if we spray ourselves? It is not pleasant, and it will sting your eyes, nose, throat and skin and may make you cough and gag. This may last up to two days but the effects will eventually go away. People have so much exposed skin (not fur like a bear) so it affects us longer. Read the first aid instructions on your can of bear spray and wash your skin with cool, clean running water. Do not rub if it gets on your skin. PRO TIP: If you get bear spray in your eyes, rinse it out with baby shampoo and water (remember, do not rub)! A small bottle of baby shampoo is a great addition to your first aid kit.
Where should I carry my bear spray? Bear spray should be carried in an easily accessible location such as a chest or hip holster or a belt, not in your backpack! Whatever option works best for you (most efficient and quickest) is recommended and our personal preference is a belt. Here are several types of examples of holsters and belts that are available at Kodiak Wildlife Products and Scat Belt.
It is not enough to just carry it, you need to be mentally prepared to use it and physically able to pull it out and use it in time when necessary. Surprise encounters with bears can happen in under two seconds so you need to be confident, fast and efficient at pulling out your bear spray. PRACTICE removing your bear spray quickly, but stop short of spraying; conserve your supply for close encounters. See more practice suggestions below.
Does bear spray expire? YES! Be sure to check the expiry date on your can as bear spray normally expires after 3-4 years. In addition to checking the expiry date on the can, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the back of the can for proper use of your spray.
Make sure your bear spray is not expired!
Why does bear spray expire? Bear spray is made with capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, and it's not the potency of the spray that diminishes over time. It is actually the propellant that may degrade over time and there may not be enough pressure in the can to effectively spray and distance, you might just get a dribble!
Should you use expired bear spray? NO! It is recommend that you replace your expired bear spray to avoid a situation like like this. There is no guarantee that expired bear spray will work properly and you want to give yourself the greatest chance of successfully deterring a bear if/when the time comes.
Should you practice with real bear spray? It is not recommended to practice using actual bear spray as once the seal is broken, small leaks can occur in the can, possibly reducing the performance of the bear spray.
That being said, if you have an expired can of bear spray that you are planning on disposing of properly anyway, it may be a good opportunity for you to practice using real (expired) bear spray. However, if you are going to do this, make sure that you go to an isolated location far away from other people and houses (I.E. NOT IN YOUR BACKYARD, AT YOUR CAMPSITE OR ALONG A TRAIL)! Also make sure you take wind direction into account so that you don’t spray yourself.
The safest way to practice using bear spray is to buy inert training bear spray, which is what we use for our bear spray training sessions as there are no harmful effects if you accidentally spray some on yourself.
How do I dispose of expired cans? In Canmore, you have two options:
Take expired bear spray to the Household Hazardous Waste area (near paint and light bulbs waste) at the 115 Boulder Crescent Recycling Depot (open every day 8:30 - 16:15).
Take it to the New Firehall on Palliser Trail in Canmore and drop it off in the designated bear spray bin (pictured below) by their front doors.
Most cities and communities have Household Hazardous Waste drop-of areas. Never put cans of bear spray in your garbage bins at home! Some designated fire stations in certain communities may accept them (maybe call first and check).
Drop your expired bear spray off in this dedicated bin at the new Firehall in Canmore.
Should I leave my bear spray in my car? NO! It is important to remember not to leave your bear spray in the car on a hot day as it may explode. If you must leave your bear spray in the car, store it in a bear spray safety travel container and out of direct sunlight. When not in use, bear spray should be stored indoors in a safe place out of reach of children.
An example of bear spray that exploded in a car on a hot day. It was messy!
How do I use bear spray? Watch this video on How to Properly Use Bear Spray which is available with subtitles in ten languages.
An important point about when it is appropriate to use bear spray. Bear spray is used to save your life and should not be used as a convenience tool to clear bears off the trail. We need to give bears a chance to do the right thing, and if we do the right thing (such as make noise, give them space, back away slowly, slow down), it may not be necessary to use your bear spray and everyone can go their separate ways. For example: It is not approriate to use your bear spray on a bear that is minding its own business, being a bear, and feeding along the trail. If a bear charges at you and is showing sign of aggression - absolutely use your bear spray.
Factors influencing bear spray performance: In a 2020 publication in the Journal of Wildlife Management, scientists examined the effects of temperature, wind, canister age, and repeated use on bear spray performance. The main takeaway is that bear spray is an important and effective deterrence tool in all areas where bears occur, even if it is windy or cold. Based on the results of this paper, they recommend the following guidelines:
Do not test‐fire cans intended for use in the field
Keep canisters warm when in the cold, tucking them inside a parka or sleeping bag
Retire canisters of bear spray when they are expired
Bear spray could save your life, your friend’s life and also a bear’s life! Carry it year-round!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
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 Berries.
Welcome to berry season! When it comes to berries, of course we endlessly talk of shepherdia, and that’s an absolutely prime source of berries for bears. There are places in K-Country where there are a LOT fewer shepherdia bushes, or where the berry crop just isn’t as good. If you’re a bear living in that space, what berries do you eat? Well, one berry you DON’T eat are strawberries. Why? We know strawberries are delicious and sweet. Why do bears NOT eat strawberries?
The simple answer is “density”. Anyone who has walked through an alpine meadow can find lots of strawberry plants, but there just aren’t a lot of berries. Bears are eating 200,000 shepherdia berries a day to get the calories they need at this time of year. Anyone who has gone wild strawberry hunting knows Mr. Bear would basically have to lick square miles of ground to find that many strawberries – and he still probably wouldn’t get that many. So while strawberries are tasty, bears just don’t bother, since they’re too much work for too little reward. Click here to read Derek’s article about Berries!
Click on this image of Berries to read the full 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.
August 2: West Bragg Creek.
August 2-4: Folk Fest in Canmore.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
‘Never feed wildlife’: Habituated wolf’s survival depends on it.
Man punched cougar in the face to fend off attack in B.C.
Wife bear-sprays grizzly bears away near Creston, B.C., husband hospitalized.
Anchorage, Alaska warns hikers after two bear attacks in a week.
Mountain roads and coal mines cut grizzly bears off from habitat.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife are offering up some bear safety tips.
Picnic-raiding bear forces closure of White Pine Beach in B.C.
Tourists get dangerously close to bear in Montana & Park Ranger puts them in their place.
Brown bear seen leaping from waterfall at Katmai National Park.
Potential impact of wildfires on polar bear denning habitats.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Protecting Wildlife Starts in Our Backyards! Did you know that something as simple as a backyard fruit tree can put wildlife at risk? In the Bow Valley, fruit trees are the #1 reason bears are relocated or killed. But here’s the good news: we can fix this — together.
Through the Town of Canmore’s Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program, residents can get financial help to remove fruit-bearing trees that attract bears into neighbourhoods. The program will 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 $1,000/property.
New for 2025, thanks to generous support from the G7, we’re partnering with the Town of Canmore to offer a Fruit Tree Replacement Incentive Program! This added support helps cover the cost of planting a non-fruit-bearing tree in place of the one you remove—so you can still enjoy a beautiful yard without putting wildlife in danger. These programs are first-come first-served while funds are available. Click here for details and how to apply.
Let’s make Canmore a place where bears stay wild, and neighbours stay safe - one tree at a time. Read more about this in this related article: Canmore expands incentives for fruit tree removal to help save bears.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer with the Green Team at Canmore Folk Fest!
Want to attend Folk Fest this weekend without buying tickets? We’ve got you covered! Join the Green Team and support the festival’s Towards Zero Waste goals by helping festival goers sort their waste properly. Green Team volunteers play a key role at waste stations, guiding the separation of compost, recycling, and garbage. In return, you’ll receive a free weekend pass to enjoy all the amazing music, food, and festivities. Sign up for the Green Team today and select the "Environment Team” and help make the Folk Fest more sustainable!
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 9 - ‘Share the Trails’ in West Bragg Creek
Following the success of the past ‘Share the Trails’ events in Canmore, the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) is excited to extend the spirit of trail collaboration and education to West Bragg Creek Trailhead, August 9 from 10am-2pm & Sandy McNabb Trailhead, on August 23 from 10am-2pm.
These Trail Safety Days are designed to bring together trail users of all kinds—hikers, bikers, equestrians, dog walkers, and more—for a fun and informative day of outreach, community-building, and shared stewardship. The goal? Promote respectful trail use, improve safety, and build understanding between users, while celebrating the beautiful spaces we all enjoy. Let’s continue working together to create trail systems that are safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. Alberta’s trails are for everyone—horseback riders, hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor lovers of all kinds.
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