Full of Rocky Mountain peaks and gorgeous glacial lakes, Banff National Park is an adventurer’s dream. With over 4 million visitors annually it stands as the most popular national park in Canada. Tourists are drawn by the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a mix of high alpine terrain and lush forest.
An estimated 20,000 grizzly bears remain in western Alberta, the Yukon and Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Among the four contiguous Rocky Mountain national parks, Jasper National Park has the highest grizzly population with around 109. Banff National Park also maintains a healthy population of approximately 65 grizzlies, making wildlife awareness essential for all visitors.
This Banff visitor was apparently enjoying a nice nap when a grizzly bear began approaching him, leading the man to a make a dash for safety once he woke up and realized the danger.
Visitors to Banff National Park should remain vigilant to avoid bear encounters. Hikers are encouraged to make noise to alert bears of their presence and should always carry bear spray. If you encounter a bear, stop and stay calm. Running can trigger a pursuit. Read more on bear encounters in Canadian national parks 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 behavior 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;Â 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.