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 (May 8, 2025)
(Banff National Park East Gate to Bow Valley Provincial Park)
Although a few collared grizzly bears (mothers with their cubs) are in and near their dens, most black and grizzly bears have emerged from their dens hungry, and are in the valley bottoms looking for food. Bears are active and are being seen in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, especially near roads and highways, where the grass is greeing up and dandelions are starting to make an appearance. We see a high mortality rate of wildlife from vehicles in the Bow Valley, especially in spring when the likelihood of encountering wildlife on or close to the road is increased.
There were a few black bear sightings in and around Canmore and between Silvertip Resort and the Trans Canada Highway, and grizzly bears continue to be seen regularly feeding along Highway 40 in K-Country. Females with cubs will continue emerging from their dens in the coming weeks and they will be very protective of their young. It is very important to give these new mothers and their young, and ALL wildlife, lots of space, at least 100 metres (which is 10 school bus lengths)!
When using the trails, people should be thinking about bears and expecting encounters so that they are mentally prepared to properly handle those encounters. Make lots of noise to alert bears to your presence, travel in a group keeping kids close by, keep pets on a leash and carry bear spray in an accessible location, and now how to use it!
Large grizzly bear in K-Country. Photo takern on May 6, 2025.
Numerous elk continue to be seen in and around Canmore and with elk calving season starting any day now, people are reminded never to approach elk for any reason! Mother elk can become very protective of their calves, aggressively kicking or charging if they feel threatened. The best way to keep them at ease is to stay at least 30m away - which is three school bus lengths, and NEVER try to sneak past them!
VIEW CURRENT WARNINGS AND CLOSURES
You can also submit your report using the Report-A-Poacher Online form or contact your local district Fish and Wildlife office.
SOME THINGS TO ‘BEAR’ IN MIND
The ditches along the highways have started greening up which is drawing bears roadside looking for that green grass and dandelions! Remember to obey speed limits and slow down if you see wildlife by the road, but please do not stop to view wildlife. Always remain in your vehicle and stay at least 100m away. Remember to obey all “No Stopping Signs” and if you see one animal be prepared to see more and adjust your speed accordingly.
Many elk have recently been seen feeding roadside along the highways and roads in and around Canmore. This has the potential to be very dangerous as they might try to cross the road at any moment. Other wildlife such as coyotes, deer, and sheep are also feeding roadside right now so extra caution is needed. Travel safely and help protect our wildlife (and yourselves) by slowing down, especially during dawn, dusk and night.
The Friends of Kananaskis Country have some great Tips for Roadside Wildlife Viewing for motorists and cyclists.
Slow down when passing wildlife feeding roadside, such as this elk.
WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR WORDS OF WISDOM
Birds, water, and was that rustling in the bushes? Did you hear the warning, or were you tuned into your music? Leave your earbuds at home and always be aware of your surroundings!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
“Springtime wildlife encounters: what to consider” By Robin Contos
Springtime in the valley is heralded by the appearance of lush patches of green grass, the first wildflowers opening their faces to the sun, and the beginnings of leaves unfurling on the branches of trees. These tender shoots of greenery provide a perfect meal for hungry wildlife.
Photo by Robin Contos.
As snow still covers the landscape higher up, the Bow Valley becomes a perfect foraging spot for elk, bears and other animals during April and May.
“The valley is the lowest habitat available to wildlife, and as such, in the spring, it's the first place where the snow recedes and melts and the vegetation grows,” said John Paczkowski, the team lead for human wildlife coexistence with Alberta Parks.
“There are well watered and fertilized grassy patches around town too, which will accelerate them growing and that's a critical food source for a bunch of species at this time of year.”
The highest probability of encountering wildlife occurs during the spring season due to the abundance of food in the valley bottom and in the Town of Canmore itself.
Photo by Robin Contos.
As the weather warms, more people head out to engage in recreational activities on the landscape, this results in an increased density of living things sharing one space.
As humans seek outdoor recreational activities, bears, just out of hibernation, are searching for food, and elk are searching for safe areas to calve. The demand on the valley bottom ecosystem in spring is extremely high.
Derek Ryder, co-chair of Friends of Kananaskis, has suggestions for how to prevent wildlife encounters during this busy time.
“You can think about where bears are going to be during different times of the year and be where they’re not. And so, if you want to avoid bears, head up high,” said Ryder.
“Any greenery is a wildlife attractant. So, if you’re standing on the snow and you don’t see anything green other than the trees, you’re probably going to be okay.” Of course being on snow in the springtime brings its own hazards, as avalanches are common and can be very dangerous (click here to learn more).
Avoiding areas where wildlife is most active, is only one step. It is important to do research about what animals are active on the landscape and be aware of how to prevent and handle encounters.
A few important steps to this include; making noise on trails to alert nearby wildlife, keeping any food, drinks, or other attractants sealed and inaccessible, and, always carrying bear spray in an easily accessible spot.
Paczkowski advises people to be aware of the wildlife and be prepared for encounters.
“You're in bear country, you're in wildlife country. So, act accordingly and expect to have those encounters and try and avoid them as best you can.”
Photo by Robin Contos.
WILDLIFE IN THE NEWS
Yosemite National Park’s most dangerous animal will surprise you.
Son of the world's most famous grizzly bear killed by a car in Grand Teton National Park.
Search underway for 3 orphaned cubs in Whistler after mother bear killed for biting woman.
Official search called off for orphaned bear cubs in Whistler, B.C.
My bear-spotting adventure in Canada’s version of the Amazon.
Bear breaks into Ontario family’s home in the middle of the night.
Authorities investigating first deadly bear attack in Florida.
Watch: Black bear wrecks California family's Suburu after getting locked in.
Mama black bear shows four cubs how to raid a trash can in North Carolina.
AND NOW SOME PAWS-ITIVE NEWS
Happy Mother’s Day!
We know we have shared this video with you before, but in honour of upcoming Mother’s Day and all the amazing mothers out there, hopefully this video puts a smile on your face and makes you think about how hard it is for mother bears to keep themselves and their cubs safe in this dangerous world. This video does an excellent job of vocalizing what it can be like to be a parent, specifically a mother. It is hard work taking care of four cubs for a mother bear and if you add to that cars speeding and people stopping to take pictures and stressing them out, it makes it even harder. It is pawsitive to see these cars waiting patiently while she struggles to get her cubs across safely!
Volunteer at our Casino Fundraiser!
Our organization has a wonderful opportunity to raise significant funds to support our fabulous programs! We are writing to ask that you (and possibly your partner, other adult family members, etc) consider volunteering at our upcoming Casino. The casino will be held on Thursday May 29 and Friday May 30 at the newly renovated and popular ACE Casino Blackfoot in Calgary.
What’s in it for you?
All volunteers receive free accommodation at the lovely Hotel Blackfoot, plus meals and travel costs are covered! It’s a great way to support a local cause, meet like-minded people, and enjoy a night or two away — all while making a real difference.
No experience is needed — just a willingness to help out and we’ll provide everything you need. Shifts are available during the day, evening, and early morning, and you’re welcome to sign up for more than one shift (as long as it's for the same role). We still have 16 volunteer spots to fill, and we’d love for you — and maybe a partner, friend, or adult family member — to join us. Click here to learn more about the roles available.
Ready to sign up? Just click the link below to see available shifts! Thank you for considering this opportunity to support local environmental action — we truly couldn’t do it without you!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Town of Canmore and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 4-9pm at Elevation Place for a fun and educational Share and Repair Fair promoting a circular economy Canmore. This is a FREE community event that includes a free clothing swap, light snacks, live music, on-site repairs, workshops, a trash pageant, prizes, and more!
To learn more - click here now! You can RSVP for free to save your spot and be entered to win a prize! Further questions, comments or concerns? Contact tanya@biosphereinstitute.org
May 11 - The Great Rain Barrel Sale!
Now you can do your part to practice water conservation! Rain barrels help our precious water resources go farther - and help you avoid costly utilities bills as you water your garden. Thanks to Canadian Tire and EPCOR, we’re selling rain barrels at subsidized cost to help you harvest rainwater and reduce your impact on municipal water systems. Sales are first come, first serve. Cost: $80+GST Sunday 11 May (Mother’s Day!) from 9am-2pm at the Canadian Tire Garden Centre in Canmore.
Here is a photo of the Rain Barrels on sale on May 11!
Join the Town of Banff and Parks Canada in an online interactive Bear Aware session that will have you learning how to be safe in bear country. The 60-minute webinar 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. This FREE online session is on Wednesday, May 21 from 7-8pm. Click here to register online!
Join hosts Alberta Equestrian Federation and the Bow Valley Riding Association for their Third Annual 'Share the Trails' event on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10am-2pm at the Cougar Creek parking lot in Canmore!
Local outdoor recreation organizations will be on site for informal conversations on how we can collectively enjoy Alberta's public trails. Let's collaborate on how to safely, responsibly, and sustainably share the area with the wildlife in the fragile corridor at Indian Flats. Whether you're on horseback, two wheels, with hiking poles, or walking your furry friend, you’ll find information at this Share the Trails event. Alongside the volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors, WildSmart will be there with a booth and we look forward to chatting with you!
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