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!
The information below is based upon a compilation of bear information provided by government agencies and unconfirmed sightings reported by the public over the last week. It is not intended to be used as a real-time, complete record of where bears are in the valley.
BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (June 5, 2025)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Reports of bears continue to increase as more people are out on the landscape. Lots of grizzly bears are out in K-Country, and there are an increasing number of black bear sightings around Canmore. 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.
Several mothers with cubs continue to be seen regularly in the Bow Valley and K-Country roadside. If you like bears and want to keep them safe - give them lots of space, at least 100m, even while in your car!
There was a Bear Closure in the Quaite Creek Area due to a black bear damaging and accessing an unoccupied tent. There were no signs of food in the tent but serves as an important reminder to ensure you keep a clean and wildlife attractant free picnic area and campsite. 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. Dispose of garbage in bear-proof bins, and store food in hard-sided trailers, vehicles and storage lockers.
Black bear with yearlings down in K-Country.
Elk continue calving in and around Canmore and they are being very protective of their young. During elk calving season a mother elk will aggressively protect her calf by kicking and charging at you if you get too close and if she feels threatened. People need to stay well away from ALL elk to prevent a physical confrontation with them. Here is an article about the dog that was trampled and killed by an elk last week in Canmore.
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.
During May and June there is 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…
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
Cougar Warning - Gunnery Mountain and surrounding area due to two hikers being followed by a cougar while hiking.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
A reminder to 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 actually see the wildlife!
Ever wonder what black bears do in June? Learn all about it from our friends at BearWise south of the border. June at a Glance: Yearlings leave mom and search for food, shelter and a place of their own. Adult males travel far and wide looking for mates. Nursing moms venture farther from home base searching for food. Cubs keep growing and developing. Spring lessons can be life-changing. Click here to read the full article about “What bears do in June!”
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 parks information and alternatives realted 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 WORDS OF WISDOM
“Urban Elk” By Robin Contos
A herd of elk is a common sight in the Town of Canmore. Urban settings are becoming more and more appealing to ungulates like elk, as there are large open green spaces, such as soccer fields, where they can graze peacefully without worrying about predators.
However, there are some dangers to both humans and elk that can result from elk becoming more comfortable hanging around these areas.
Without the threat of predators, mother elk may choose to calve within the town. A mother elk will be aggressively protective of her offspring, meaning she will not hesitate to charge people or dogs that get too close to her calf. Although mother elk may pick locations in town to calve because they feel safe from predators, the flip side of this is that they may instead just be drawing predators into the town site. Bears and cougars (and sometimes coyotes and wolves) are particularly interested in elk calves so be especially aware of this in the spring.
The difficulties brought with calving in urban areas are not the only concerns. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), is a fatal neurological illness that can spread quickly through large groups of ungulates. The higher the concentration of elk in a small area, the more detrimental an outbreak would be.
It is important to always report sick or aggressive wildlife as soon as possible. Phone Kananaskis Dispatch at (403) 591-7755 to make a report.
Always be aware of the location of wildlife in your area and give them as much space as possible.
A recent example of urban elk in Canmore.
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: the locations they are stationed at may change at the last minute. This weekend: June 7 - Fish Creek PP in Calgary & Heart Creek near Canmore.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Roadside vegetation is some of the first to green up at this time of the year and fulfills important habitat needs for local wildlife. This results in a higher risk for vehicle collisions with wildlife. Remember to obey speed limits and slow down when passing wildlife, but don’t stop. Always stay in your vehicle! Give bears at least 100m of space at all times! The Friends of Kananaskis Country have some great Tips for Roadside Wildlife Viewing for motorists and cyclists.
The Town of Canmore is surveying property lines in a bid to determine if fruit trees are on public or private property as part of an ongoing fruit-tree removal program to keep opportunistic bears out of town. Fruit trees attract bears into our neighbourhoods which puts people and wildlife at risk. Bears accessing fruit trees is the one of the main causes of bears needing to be relocated or killed in the Bow Valley.
With the fruit trees in bloom these days, it is easy to spot the chokecherry and crabapple trees. Although these blossoms are beautiful, keep in mind that they might blossom into human-bear conflicts later this summer and fall!
The Town of Canmore is once again offering their Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program this year to cover 100% of costs of removal (up to $500 per property). This program is offered to reduce the financial barriers to remove fruit trees and make Canmore safer for people and wildlife. Don't wait for the fruit to start growing, remove them early. Click here for details and how to apply.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Black bear damages tent and forces area closure in Kananaskis Country.
‘Aggressive’ black bear euthanized in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Cougar Warning issued for Gunnery Mountain in Kananaskis Country.
Cougar encounter prompts campground closures at Waterton.
'Bear birdie': Golfers tee off with wildlife in Kananaskis.
Campaign launched to save lone grizzly bear after it swims to B.C. island.
How fast is a grizzly bear? Video from Montana shows one pushing full speed.
Confrontation between cougar and bear caught on trail cam.
‘It was magical’: B.C. woman sees grizzly bear and cubs from balcony.
Kermode bear sightings in northwest B.C. raise concern from conservation officers.
Five bear cubs orphaned in B.C. after mother illegally killed.
Video shows bear taking dip in Gulf off Naples beach in Florida.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Last night we attended the 34th Annual Emerald Awards at the Timms Centre for the Arts in Edmonton. It was an evening of environmental celebration, honouring organizations, projects, and individuals exemplifying environmental excellence across Alberta. Our Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador program was short-listed as a finalist in the Wildlife and Biodiversity category. Unfortunately we did not win but it was truly an inspiring and memorable evening and the Wildlife Ambassadors are winners even though the program didn’t receive an award!
At the Emerald Awards on June 5, 2025! From L to R: Karen, Derek, Nick, Susan, Coral, Susan and Kim.
Current Opportunities
The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley is hiring a Community Engagement Intern that will support a variety of our programs and events throughout the summer in the beautiful Bow Valley! This will be a full-time position from July 2-August 29, 2025. Click here for the full job description and eligibility requirements! Application deadline is 11:59pm on June 9, 2025.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 7 - Fish Creek Provincial Park’s 50th Anniversary
Come celebrate Fish Creek Provincial Park’s 50th anniversary on June 7 from 10am-3pm at the Bow Valley Ranch day use area for free walking tours, kid-friendly activities, native plant/seed giveaways and planting, and way more! Arrive early to grab a slice of anniversary cake and come chat with our volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors who will be there with a booth. Click here to see event activities, partners, sponsors, and more!
June 10 - Still Life “Predators” Drawing Class
There are still spots open for the Still Life Predators Drawing class on June 10 from 6:30-8:30pm at artsPlace in Canmore. Hone your drawing skills with a challenging still life display at this incredible opportunity to observe and articulate the details of predators in the Bow Valley. Skulls will be set up with dramatic lighting to allow everyone to find good placement around the room. Click here to register now!
June 11 - Bear & Cougar Safety Presentation in Bragg Creek
Mountain View BearSmart and Rocky View County invite you to attend a FREE bear and cougar awareness and safety presentation on how to be safe when hiking, camping, living, or working in bear country. Wednesday June 11 from 6:30-8pm at the Bragg Creek Snowbirds Chalet (19 Balsam Avenue, Bragg Creek). Topics will include: the biology and behaviour of bears and cougars, how to avoid conflicts and prevent encounters with bears and cougars, how to manage attractants, how to respond appropriately in a conflict or encounter, and how to use bear spray. Click here to register now!
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