Have you ever wanted to come face to face with a bear, armed only with your trusty bear spray?

No?  Well really, why would you?  That is probably the average Sunday hiker's worst nightmare.  But, should the occasion arise, you really ought to know how to use that bear spray, and today (April 8) you have the opportunity to learn how.

The fifth annual Kananaskis Bear Day is a family friendly event which takes place today at the Canmore Nordic Centre and includes several bear spray demonstrations as well as safety talks and tips and a bear trapping demonstration.

Alberta Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips says, "Alberta families love our beautiful wilderness, but we share parks with bears, cougars, wolves and other predators.  Bear Day is a practical step the help Albertans enjoy our parks safely."  

Banff - Cochrane MLA Cameron Westhead will be on hand to welcome everyone to the day at noon.  

This year's event also includes a Stoney Nakoda First Nation study on grizzly bear conservation in Kananaskis.  The day is being hosted by Alberta Parks and Bow Valley WildSmart.

 

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