In the fall, both Black Bears and Grizzly Bears are hyper focused on preparing for hibernation. At this time of year, bears begin a period of overeating called hyperphagia, where, for up to 20 hours a day, they compulsively seek out high fat & high caloric foods. This year, the bears’ favourite fall feast, the Shepherdia berry (Silver Buffalo Berry), is virtually non-existent. There was a bumper crop of Shepherdia this year in Kananaskis, but it occurred a month earlier than usual in the summer, so the bears are especially hungry and distracted right now.

It’s important to note that while Black bears are our most common residents in WBC, we do see Grizzlies, especially in mid to late October, when Grizzlies from West Springbank will pass through the WBC trails on their way to winter denning sights along Moose Mountain and Nahahi Ridge.

BE BEAR AWARE please:

  • Recreate in groups
  • Make noise on the trails
  • ALWAYS carry bear spray, and know how to use it!
  • Be aware of your surroundings, if you see fresh bear scat, turn around
  • Keep dogs on leash whenever possible.

Have your bear spray handy where it can be reached in 3 seconds. Bear spray inside a back pack is not an effective strategy! Placing bear spray in a holster, a belt or a carabiner on the front of a pack is the safest.

If you do encounter a bear:

STOP-  Take out your bear spray.
WALK-  Backup slowly from the bear.
TALK-   In a calm voice to the bear. “Hey bear, hey bear… everything is OK!”

Bears like using trails, just like we do. It’s possible that if a bear moves toward you, it simply wants to travel along the trail. Without turning your back to the bear, calmly back off the trail, giving the bear the space it needs to move along. Never shout at a bear, or wave your arms around, it can make the bear feel threatened. Remain calm. Never turn your back on a bear, and never run from a bear.

Mountain biking poses a unique set of challenges in bear country. Moving at fast speeds, and quietly, bikers can easily surprise a bear, or even run into them on the trail. Make noise! If you encounter a bear on your bike, dismount, placing your bike between yourself and the bear and follow the suggestions above.

Thriving bear populations reflect that our forests and waterways are healthy, and our ecosystems are balanced. Be Bear Aware on the trails, and help to ensure the safety of humans and bears, and thriving wild places in WBC.

By Emma Barry
(photo credit: Eric Lloyd)