Hikers encounter grizzly bear @ Banff National Park
Hikers encounter grizzly bear @ Banff National Park

Considered the flagship of Canada’s national park system, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and proudly part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for it’s scenic splendor Banff National Park is an incredible place to explore on foot where hikers can experience the studded peaks of the Rocky Mountains but it is also home to a healthy population of grizzly bears and hikers should know what to do should they encounter one.

The following footage comes from the Banff National Park’s Consolation Lakes Trail. Consolation Lakes Trail an excellent introductory hike for visitors as it is short and moderately graded while offering great views of alpine meadows, towering peaks and the Quadra Glacier. This group of hikers came upon an adolescent grizzly bear near Moraine Lake and were temporarily delayed as the bear stood in the middle of the trail.

The hikers did the right thing by staying in a group and not approaching the grizzly and were surprised when it turned up once again in the trailhead parking lot. While these hikers interpreted this bear’s behavior as “following them,” it may have simply chose the path of least resistance through rugged terrain and wanted nothing to do with them.

Hiking in grizzly country comes with its obvious risks and hikers should be well versed in proper bear encounter protocols before setting out into the backcountry. Learn more about safely hiking in bear country from Parks Canada below.

Parks Canada Bear Safety Guidelines:

AVOID an encounter is the best approach

Bears travel the same trails people do, on the path of least resistance. You can help protect these animals by avoiding encounters with them.

  • Avoid travelling in high quality bear habitat at key times of year.
  • Make noise! Let bears know you are there. Call out, clap hands, sing or talk loudly especially near streams, dense vegetation and berry patches, on windy days, and in areas of low visibility. Bear bells are not effective. Bears can be so preoccupied eating that they may not be aware of your presence.
  • Watch for fresh bear signs. Tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs and turned-over rocks are all signs that a bear has been in the area. Leave the area if the signs are fresh.
  • Keep your dog on a leash and under physical control at all times. We recommend leaving your dog at home if you plan to camp, hike or go into the backcountry. Dogs can trigger aggressive behaviour from wildlife.
  • Larger size groups are less likely to have a serious bear encounter. We recommend hiking in a tight group of four or more. Never let children wander.
  • Use officially marked paths and trails and travel during daylight hours as bears are more active at dawn and dusk.
  • If you come across a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it to Parks Canada. 
  • Dispose of fish offal in fast moving streams or the deep part of a lake, never along stream sides or lake shores.

Bear Spray

Carry bear spray with you at all times when recreating. Ensure it is easily accessible and know how to use it. Bear spray can be effective with some bears when used properly. Be aware that wind, spray distance, rain, freezing temperatures and product shelf life can all influence its effectiveness. Familiarize yourself with the proper use of bear spray (including the manufacturer’s specific instructions) and keep it readily accessible. However, the best way to live safely with bears is to avoid contact with them.

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