It's bear season again

A grizzy bear captured by one of our remote cameras. (Refresh the page to play again)

After a long winter, bears have emerged from hibernation onto a lean landscape. There is still a lot of snow at high elevations, so they are congregating in the valley bottoms to find early green-up.

Grizzly bears may also head to sunny, exposed avalanche slopes to dig for roots and bulbs. If they are lucky, bears may find carcasses of winter-killed animals which are a critical spring time energy boost, especially for a female nursing her cubs. This is also the time of year that males seek out available mates, often travelling great distances.

Remember, bears are found throughout the park. 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:

• Stay alert on the trails – make noise, watch for fresh bear sign (tracks, scat, digging), travel in groups, keep your dog on a leash, and carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you encounter a bear, give it LOTS of space!
• Drive with care – if you see a bear by the road, consider not stopping. Obey speed limits.
• Tuck these safely away – food, garbage, pet food, bird feeders, BBQs, and recyclables can attract a hungry bear. Keep these and other attractants in bear-proof storage or hard-sided vehicles.

Please check Warnings and Closures before you hit the trail.