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- Mountain Parks Main Pages
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Kootenay National Park of Canada
November 14, 2008
Going to sleep
Although it seems like winter, some bears will remain active and may not den until late November. Bear activity depends on food availability and climate. Regardless of the activity, park users should not rule out the possibility of an encounter with a bear.
Bears are opportunistic feeders. Existing food sources such as grain spilled on railway tracks, or the presence of a carcass may keep them from going to their den sites. If you see ravens, do not approach, as this could indicate a carcass is in the vicinity. If you see a bear, or think there may be a carcass in the area please call the Banff Warden Office at 403.762.1470.
Black Bear
© Parks Canada / Hal Morrison
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Remember these bear-aware tips:
 Stay alert on the trails – Make noise, watch for fresh bear sign, travel in groups, keep your dog on a leash, and if you encounter a bear – give it LOTS of space! Click Bears & People for more.
Drive with care – Obey speed limits.
Tuck these safely away – food (including pet food and bird feeders), garbage, BBQs, and recyclables can easily attract a hungry bear. Keep these and other attractants in bear-proof storage or hard-sided vehicles. Bears that get used to human food gradually lose their fear of people and may have to be relocated or destroyed.
If you see a bear, please let us know! Call the Banff Warden Office at 403.762.1470
Did you know… the trail conditions report gives current wildlife related warnings and closures. Check it out before you head out!
Weekly Bear Sighting Report
November 7 to November 13, 2008
Species, Number and Locations
Single Black Bears
Black Bear Females with Cubs
Single Grizzly Bears
Grizzly Bear Females with Cubs
Unidentified Bears
Previous Weeks' Bear Sightings
Reminders:
The bear sightings report provides an overview of where bears have been sighted on a weekly basis, however people need to be aware that bears can move quickly and are found throughout the park. Thus be aware:
- If you’re hiking or biking in the mountain parks, you may encounter a bear anytime, anywhere. The more you know about bear ecology and behaviour, and how to act in the event of a bear encounter, the safer you will be.
- The bear sightings is only posted weekly. Bears can move long distances in a very short period of time. Just because a bear has been sighted on a particular trail, doesn’t mean it will be there an hour later.
- The bear sightings report is not a bear “tracking” report. Currently, we are not collaring bears for research purposes in Banff NP. The report will be based on bear sightings by Park staff and researchers, as well as those phoned in by the public.
- To report a bear sighting in the park, call the Banff Warden Office (24-hours) at 403.762.1470
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