Wildlife
The Bow Valley is a major movement corridor for grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves, elk, coyotes, and other large mammals.
As wildlife and people compete for a finite amount of space, numerous interactions occur. Although most are harmless, some can pose a serious threat to both people and wildlife, resulting in human injury, property damage, and/or dead or relocated animals.
Find out how you can make sure to experience the bow valley and leave a positive impact.
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You can avoid a negative wildlife interraction by follow these steps.
Make noise: Let wildlife know you're coming by singing, yelling, or talking loudly.
Travel in groups: Large groups of four or more people have proven less likely to be involved in a serious wildlife encounter.
Respect all trail closures and warnings: Trail closures and warnings are put in place for public safety or when wildlife are most sensitive to people. To view current trail closures and warnings in the Bow Valley, Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park, click here.
Keep a safe distance: Take photos or observe animals from a safe distance — 100 meters for bears, and 30 meters or more for other large wildlife species.
Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for fresh evidence of wildlife activity, such as tracks, scat, diggings or overturned rocks and logs. If you see a bear or see or smell a dead animal, leave the area.
Keep dogs on leash: It is illegal not to have your dog on leash in Canmore, the surrounding habitat patches, and in both provincial and national parks. Negative interactions between dogs and wildlife often end with the wild animal’s dangers relocation or euthanasia.
Carry bear spray: Ensure that you are carrying it somewhere accessible such as in a holster or attached directly to a pack strap, and know how to use it.
Stay out of designated wildlife corridors: If your trail cuts across a wildlife corridor, move through the area quickly.
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Leave No Trace is an important concept to make sure that we leave no negative impact on nature.
Travel on durable surfaces: In the Bow Valley it is recommended to stay on the designated trails.
Dispose of waste properly: Use the bear proof bins throughout the bow valley that keep the wildlife safe from our waste. Rubish, food and human waste all has to be carried out.
Leave what you find: Do not move or take anything with you. What we find in nature plays a role in the ecosystem and the story of the landscape.
Don't mark trails: In the Bow Valley, proffesionals at Parks Canada are in charge of the maintenance of all trails. The involvement of recreationalists is unwanted and those going out into the wilderness are responsible of their own route planning and navigation. leaving marks like rock cairns can leave a negative impact on the environment.
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One of the most frowned upon and illegal behaviours in the Bow Valley is the distrubance of wildlife. To avoid getting fined up to $25,000 it is good to be aware of these commonly broken rules:
Feeding any kind of wildlife is illegal.
Give wildlife space. Approaching wildlife is considered disturbance. (100 meter for bears and 30 meters for other large mammals.)
If you see wildlife beside the road, slow down, stay in your vehicle and move on. Pulling over and getting out of your car is considered disturbance.
Flying drones of any kind without a license is illegal.
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In the rare case of an aggressive confrontation, bear spray is your best defense. Make sure before you head out to bring quality bear spray that has not expired. Carry your bear spray in a quickly and easily accessible place like on your hip.