With the beautiful temperatures coming our way hikers everywhere are rejoicing! 

As eager as most people are to get outside after what seems to be a never-ending winter. It's important to be prepared for the trails and more specifically the potential encounters with bears. Every year 3-4 people in North America are killed by bear encounters, this number may not seem high but that is partially due to the amount of bear safety and awareness already in place. 

Bears in Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park are already awake, that it includes the notorious bear No. 122 also known as "The Boss".  The Boss is a massive 350-kilogram bear that is known to dominate a massive area of the Banff National Park. He often patrols the highways for dandelions and the train tracks for spilt grain seed. This Beast of an animal has been struck by a train once before and survived. He has fathered multiple cubs in the area yet has never shown signs of aggression to humans. 

According to Joanna Skrajny, Conservation Specialist With the Alberta Wilderness Association, if you encounter a bear it's important you don't portray yourself as prey and make lots of noise. 

"Let them know you're in the area, make some noise. Bears generally like to avoid people so as long as you're warning them in the area you should be fine."

Lots of people bring their dogs with them on hikes for a sense of safety and additional noise but it's crucial you have them on a lease according to Skrajny.

"Don't aggravate the bears, make sure your dog is on a leash. Dogs remind bears of wolves and can get very agitated if they see a dog. If your dog runs out to bark at the bear chances are the dog will run back to you when they get scared and bring the bear along with them".  

It's crucial to carry some type of bear deterrent with you at all times such as bear spray or air horns while exploring the backcountry. 

There are an estimated 60-70 Grizzly bears in Kananaskis and close to 50 in Banff.  

Skrajny said this is a relatively low population of Grizzlies compared to British Columbia. 

 

Questions?Comments?Story Ideas?email us at news@discoverairdrie.com