Grizzly bears (especially mother grizzly bears with cubs) are a real potential danger to those exploring the great outdoors. Known grizzly activity in specific locations can lead to warnings or closed off areas, with rangers and wildlife officers acting to protect the public. Sometimes it means full road closures, sometimes it means just a sign and rope.
But what happens if the bears decide the closures shouldn’t be there? This trouble making juvenile grizzly decided a bear closure in the Canadian Rockies wasn’t important anymore, tearing down the caution tape that was put up to keep people out and lower the risk of human-bear conflict. The sign (if you can’t read it in the video), says “Area Closed, Secteur Fermé” “DO NOT ENTER, ACCÉS INTERDIT”.
It’s not clear why bear cubs play but they are among the most playful young animals. There are several theories, including that it helps to stimulate development of the brain, increases their cardiovascular fitness, burns off excess energy, helps them practice fighting/mating/hunting, teaches them how to evaluate risk, and much more. It could also just release endorphins, meaning play just feels good.
Whatever the reason, if you see a playful bear cub make sure to give it plenty of space (100 yards, 300 feet). There’s a good chance a mother is nearby.
Jasper National Park Grizzly Safety:
What should I do if I see a bear?
If you are driving: stay in your car, and consider not stopping.
If you are not in a vehicle:
- Stay calm. If a bear rears on its hind legs and waves its nose about, it is trying to identify you. Remain still and talk calmly so that it knows you are human and not a prey animal. Bears may also bluff charge: run toward you and turn away at the last moment. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack.
- Pick up children, stay in a group.
- Back away slowly, don’t run.
- Leave the area. If this is impossible, wait until the bear leaves; make sure it has an escape route.
To reduce your risk of a surprise encounter:
- Make noise. Clap, sing or yell to announce your presence, especially where a bear might not otherwise smell, hear or see you coming. (Bear bells are not very effective.)
- Travel in groups, on established trails, and during daylight hours.
- Minimize odours by proper storage of food, garbage and toiletries.
- Leave the area if you see a bear or fresh tracks, droppings, diggings; or if you come across a large dead animal (a bear may be nearby).
If you surprise a bear and it defends itself:
- Use bear spray if you have it. PLAY DEAD, let it know you are not a threat: lie on stomach with legs apart, cover back of head and neck with hands, keep pack on to protect your back.
If a bear stalks you and then attacks, or attacks at night:
- Try to escape, use bear spray if you have it. FIGHT BACK, let it know that you are not easy prey. (This kind of predatory attack is very rare.)