Banff National Park is an adventurer’s dream full of Rocky Mountain peaks and stunning glacial lakes. As Canada’s flagship national park, Banff pulls in more than 4 million visitors annually from around the world attracted by stunning landscapes and a broad variety of wildlife.
As many as 20,000 grizzly bears are estimated to live in western Alberta, the Yukon and Northwest Territories and British Columbia, with approximately 65 living inside Banff National Park. While Canmore, Alberta, lies outside the park boundaries, its mountain location near Banff means grizzly bear sightings around the town are not uncommon.
Hikers in and around Canmore may encounter wildlife such as cougars, elk, wolves, coyotes, and bears, and should always be prepared for such situations. Fortunately these Australian hikers appeared to be well-prepared and knew how to respond when they came face-to-face with a rather large grizzly on the trail.
The man behind the camera kept a safe distance from the bear, speaking in a calm voice to make it clear he was human. He also mentioned carrying bear spray, an essential for anyone traveling through bear country. Bears often follow the path of least resistance which frequently leads them onto human trails. Being prepared for these types of encounters is crucial for staying safe in bear country. Learn more about bear encounter safety below.
Parks Canada Bear Encounter Guidelines:
If you SEE a bear
Stop and remain calm. Be ready to use bear spray. Do not run away.
OBSERVE:
Is the bear UNAWARE of your presence?
Move away quietly without getting its attention.
Is the bear AWARE of your presence?
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. 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 may provide protection.
If you must proceed, make a wide detour around the bear, move well off the trail or wait at a safe distance for it to move on.
If the bear APPROACHES
Stop and remain calm. Get ready to use your bear spray. Do not run away. Assess the bear’s behaviour and determine why it is approaching.
Is it DEFENSIVE?
The bear is feeding, protecting its young and/or surprised by your presence. It sees you as a threat. The bear will appear stressed or agitated and may vocalize.
- Try to appear non-threatening.
- Speak in a calm voice.
- When the bear stops advancing, start slowly moving away.
- If it keeps coming closer, stand your ground, keep talking, and use your bear spray.
- If the bear makes contact, fall on the ground and play dead. Lie still and wait for the bear to leave.
Is it NON-DEFENSIVE?
A bear may be curious, after your food, or testing its dominance. In the rarest case, it might be predatory–seeing you as potential prey. All of these non-defensive behaviours can appear similar and should not be confused with defensive behaviours.
The bear will be intent on you with head and ears up.
- Speak in a firm voice.
- Move out of the bear’s path.
- If it follows you, stop and stand your ground.
- Shout and act aggressively.
- Try to intimidate the bear.
- If it approaches closely, use your bear spray.