Banff National Park is home to an estimated 65 grizzly bears. Across all of Alberta, the population is an estimated 691 grizzly bears. So while the town of Canmore is located just outside of the park, both black bears and grizzly bears have appeared on trails around the town.
Cougars, elk, wolves, coyotes, and bears all call the area around Canmore home. So while hiking can be incredible, recreators are encouraged to be aware of the wildlife and be prepared for encounters. These Australians were hiking near Canmore when they came upon a grizzly. The animal followed them down the trail for a period, providing a terrifying yet unforgettable experience.
The Aussie behind the camera kept his voice calm, talking to the bear and encouraging it to stop following. Grizzlies should always be spoken to softly and calmly. Sudden movements or screams can encourage the animal to attack. Though we don’t see it in the video, the man states that he does have bear spray on hand, key to keeping oneself safe in grizzly territory. He and his group back away slowly giving the bear room to move, but not moving to quickly as to trigger a pursuit response. All in all, these hikers kept themselves safe through their behavior.
Parks Canada Bear Safety Guide:
The Canadian Rocky and Columbia Mountains are home to both grizzly and black bears. You can run into a bear anywhere here, be it on a busy trail close to town or in the remote backcountry. Bears generally prefer to avoid people. However, encounters between bears and people do occur. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, growling, snapping their jaws and laying their ears back.
- Stay calm. Your calm behaviour can reassure the bear. Screams or sudden movements may trigger an attack.
- Speak to the bear. Talk calmly and firmly. This lets the bear know you are human and not a prey animal. If a bear rears on its hind legs and waves its nose about, it is trying to identify you.
- Back away slowly. Never run! Running may trigger a pursuit.
- Make yourself appear BIG. Pick up small children and stay in a group.
- Do not drop your pack. It can provide protection.