Kananaskis Country covers over 1,500 square miles of formerly designated wildland parks, provincial parks, recreation parks, ecological reserves, and culture zones in the foothills in the Canadian Rockies. Known as K-Country by local Albertans, Kananaskis Country is located an hour west of Calgary and 12 miles east of Banff.
In addition to stunning rolling foothills and rushing creeks, the land provides hikers and outdoor lovers with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Of course all of those animal experiences are best from a distance, some more than others.
Alberta’s grizzly population is estimated to be somewhere around 900 bears. These animals normally stay away from human populations but certain circumstances like chasing prey can create some intense encounters like this one along a road in Kananaskis.
These hikers hid in their car as they saw a grizzly quickly approaching, but it seems like the cyclist didn’t have time to react. They may have continued straight for the sake of speed, but the Province of Alberta recommends cyclists get of their bike and walk away slowly if they encounter a bear. Cyclists should keep their bike between themselves and the bear, and never try to outrun or out-cycle the animal (this can trigger a chase).
Alberta Bear Encounter Guidelines:
All bears are individuals and so all bear encounters will be unique. Serious attacks are rare but you must always be cautious and alert when enjoying the outdoors.
What should I do when I see a bear on the roadside?
- Do not stop. Many are thrilled to see a bear in nature. However, stopping to get a closer look or take a picture only serves to habituate the bear to humans. Bears that become habituated to humans become bolder in their search for food and may begin to frequent campsites, garbage bins and backyards. When you see a bear on the roadside, keep driving.
What should I do if I see a bear but the bear doesn’t see me?
- Don’t attract attention. Leave the way you came without calling attention to yourself. Retreat slowly while keeping your eye on the bear. Never run.
- If you must move forward, give the bear a wide berth. If you have no choice but to move forward, give the bear as much space as you can.
- Stay quiet and alert. Even if you think you are a safe distance away from the bear, remain quiet, alert and calm. Continue watching for the bear until you reach your destination.
What should I do if I see the bear and the bear sees me?
- Do not run. Stay calm. Stay with your group and keep children close. Assess the situation.
- Look around. If you see cubs or an animal carcass, the bear will want to protect them. If you see either, back away from them.
- Prepare to use your bear spray.
- Back out. Leave the area the way that you came. Keep your eye on the bear without staring at it aggressively.
- Watch for a place to hide. As you back away, seek out a place of safety, such as a car or building.
- Speak to the bear in a soft, low voice. Let the bear know that you are human and not a prey animal.
- Use your noisemaker and prepare to defend yourself with bear spray.
- If you encounter a bear at close range when you’re on your bike:
- step off your bike and walk slowly away:
- keep your bike between you and the bear:
- do not try to outrun or out-cycle the bear; and
- leave the area the way you came if you spot a bear from a distance.
