Category Archives: bear

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Incredible Spring Skiing in the Canadian Rockies

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With more and more bear sightings coming in, it’s hard to think about skiing and snowboarding….but you must!!! 2011 has so far been a record breaking year for snowfall and with the lower temperatures, the powder conditions are that of mid-winter.  Environment Canada predicted a later spring which has so far proven to be true.

Where to head? Sunshine Village in Banff National Park is still rocking with incredible snow conditions and no crowds. Even Easter was quiet this year due to it being a little later in the year than usual. Sunshine Village will wrap things up for the season on May 23 2011 with the 83rd annual Slush Cup. There is lots more going on including the Sunshine Village 3rd annual Bikinis for Breast Cancer fundraiser.

The video footage below was taken in March and April this year in Sunshine Village’s backcountry. These skiers are experienced expert locals and have all the right backcountry gear so please do not imitate!

Enjoy these excellent extended ski conditions and be sure to look out for bears, wolves, deer, elk and big horn sheep (to name a few) on the spring ski bus to Sunshine Village from Banff!

Thanks for reading and feel free to share your spring skiing and boarding experiences with everyone below!

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Prevent conflicts with wildlife

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They may sometimes appear unconcerned by our presence, but all park animals are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Keep your distance from wildlife

Always keep your distance.

Do not approach or entice wildlife. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens instead.

Remain at least:

– 100 metres (10 bus lengths) away from BEARS, COUGARS and WOLVES

– 30 metres (3 bus lengths) away from ELK, DEER, SHEEP, GOATS and MOOSE

Never leave food attractants out for wildlife.

Food attractants include:

– coolers (they are NOT bearproof!)

– food scraps or leftovers

– dishwater

– dirty dishes, pots or barbecues

– empty bottles, cans or wrappers

– toothpaste, soap or other toiletries

– pets

– pet food dishes (full or empty)

Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Because it is impossible to predict how wildlife will react in any situation, avoiding encounters is the only sure way to keep people safe and wildlife wild.

– Always be on the lookout for animals or signs of their presence.

– Carefully supervise children whenever outdoors.

Source: Parks Canada

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Canmore Bear Warning

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EFFECTIVE 1200HRS THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2009

A bear warning has been placed for the Larch Islands, in the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. Bears, including one grizzly bear with an ear tag transmitter, are travelling to and from the islands to feed on ripe berries in the area. The ripe berries will continue to attract bears to the area.

Berry Season is here!

Bears could be encountered anytime, anywhere. All users need to make plenty of noise, and be observant. Be especially vigilant when travelling through areas where ripe berries are present. Dogs, as always, must be kept on leash. Carrying bear spray is strongly recommended, not only here, but any time you venture out in to bear habitat. Using trails with good, open sight lines is preferred.

Conservation Officers will be monitoring daily. The warning will remain in place until further notice.

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Canmore area closed

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Larch Island on the Bow River near the Town of Canmore is CLOSED. This closure includes all trails on the island and is due to an elk carcass that will continue to attract large carnivores to the area.
The area will remain closed until further notice.
It is bear season so please be aware of your surroundings. Certified hiking guides are available if you are not comfortable. Wildsmart.ca has some very useful information.
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First Bear of Spring 2008 – Banff National Park

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Photo Courtesy of Parks Canada

This big male grizzly was photographed on March 16th by a Trans-Canada Highway Project remote camera in the lower Bow Valley. Male grizzlies typically emerge out of their dens in mid-March. Female bears with their cubs tend to emerge mid-April.

This is an indicator that Spring is here and we need to be bear aware! Look out for signs of bears when you are hiking such as diggings and bear scat. If you suspect a bear is in the area it is often best to leave the area immediately. If this is not possible, make plenty of noise so the bear is not surprised. If you make noise during your hike, such as talking loudly, you are very unlikely to see any wildlife including bears.

Organised hikes are a great way to see the wilderness. Include an organised hike on your summer vacation!

Up-to-date trail reports are available at Parks Canada official website.