Wild horses probably aren’t the first animal that pops into your head when you think of wildlife in Alberta, Canada, but a minimum of around 1,478 feral horses call the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains between the Sheep and Brazeau Rivers their home. The animals are spread out through 6 equine management zones with some populations reaching the eastern edges of Jasper and Banff National Parks.
Alberta’s provincial lands are home to an estimated 691 grizzly bears as well, around 174 of which live partially within Jasper and Banff. There isn’t a ton of evidence of grizzly bears hunting or feeding on horses, though bears can reach speeds close to that of a horse (grizzlies can run at speeds up to 35mph) so it isn’t unimaginable.
The below trail camera footage shows a grizzly chasing a group of wild horses in central Alberta, about 2 hours northwest of Calgary. It’s not clear if the bear was hunting the horses or if it was trying to defend it’s territory/young, but it’s an exhilarating moment either way.
Many of Canada’s mountain national parks are home to both grizzly bears and black bears. Visitors should be aware of what’s bear territory and what’s not and understand how to avoid bear encounters in the first place. High quality bear habitat at key times of year should be generally avoided. Read more on avoiding bear encounters below.
Parks Canada Guide To Avoiding Bear Encounters:
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 traveling 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.Â
- 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.