Kananaskis Country is renowned for its abundant wildlife sightings, but frequent encounters with hazardous animals have prompted Alberta Parks to release several warnings. As of September, there are nine wildlife advisories in the Bow Valley region, including seven bear alerts, a cougar caution, and a notice about an aggressive moose.
These advisories will remain in effect until the animals in question have vacated the area. Last month, Alberta Parks issued a comprehensive bear warning covering the entirety of Kananaskis Country, which has since been rescinded. However, hikers are still reporting bear encounters, leading to the current existence of seven bear advisories in the Bow Valley.
In September alone, three bear advisories were issued, including two warnings and an area closure. The Peter Lougheed Discovery & Information Centre Meadow and Rockwall Trail were closed on September 15 due to multiple bears feeding in the vicinity. Additionally, warnings were issued for Burstall Pass Trail, Village Rim Trail, Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, and all Peter Lougheed Provincial Park campgrounds.
John Clarke, founder of the Canadian Bear Safety Authority, highlighted the heightened bear activity in the fall as animals forage before winter. Bears are on the move constantly during this period, searching for food sources.
Regarding cougars, a warning was issued for the Mount Baldy rock climbing area and the North Baldy scramble route due to recent sightings. Nick de Ruyter from the Biosphere Institute’s WildSmart program emphasized that cougar encounters are rare but cautioned that these predators can be encountered any time of the year.
An advisory for an “aggressive moose” along the Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail was also released in September. The fall season poses increased risks of encounters with large cervids like bull moose, especially during rutting season.
It is essential to exercise caution and carry bear spray when venturing outdoors in the Bow Valley, as it can serve as protection against potential encounters with aggressive wildlife, including bears, cougars, moose, and elk.
