The mountains of Alberta, Canada, are full of wildlife, and residents and visitors need to be constantly aware of the fact that they’re out in nature. That means staying alert, properly storing food and attractants, and, as demonstrated by this incident, keeping pets on a leash.
Up to 20,000 grizzly bears remain today in western Alberta, the Yukon and Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Around 691 grizzly bears live on Alberta provincial land alone, and Kananaskis Country, a multi-use area located south of Banff, is home to an estimated 40. Coming across a grizzly bear isn’t necessarily a common occurrence in the Kananaskis area, but encounters do happen and knowing how to handle one can be live saving. The woman in the video below handles this incredibly close very well, with her actions likely preventing what could have been a deadly situation.
The clip was sent to Wilderness Escape Adventures by a client, and they managed to get the full story to share with the world. According to the description, the woman had just stepped outside to walk her dog down a gravel driveway with her morning coffee. She intended to take just a short walk, but the bear appeared and began acting weirdly, encouraging her to take out the camera and film the incident. The bear appears curious about the dog, circling the woman and the pet as she stayed shockingly calm (yes, she yelled, but with a bold, loud voice in an attempt to scare the bear away).
Eventually she threw her coffee mug at the animal and was able to get away as it went to investigate. The bear did continue to chase her, but she was able to get into a tent while other people at camp yelled and waved their arms as a distraction. Eventually the bear left area without harming anyone.
An incident like this is incredibly rare, so rare in fact that the responding conservation officer didn’t believe her story until he saw the footage. The woman has apparently had at least 10 grizzly encounters in the past, but this one was unlike any others. Despite that, she stayed calm, kept moving, got loud, kept her dog in control and on leash, and used what she had on hand to get the animal away.
Having her dog on a leash seems like a simple task, but it’s a guideline many people seem to forget or completely ignore. If the dog in this clip wasn’t leashed, this situation would have ended much worse. Huge props to her for taking the right steps in what was an undeniably terrifying situation.
Alberta Guidelines for Hiking in Bear Country:
Hiking in bear country
- Carry bear spray and a noise maker. Before leaving home read the instructions. Carry the bear spray in a belt holster or somewhere where you can access it immediately. Do not carry the bear spray inside your backpack.
- Watch for fresh bear signs. If the signs look like they were made recently, quickly and calmly leave the area. Signs of bear activity include:
- diggings
- droppings
- fresh carcasses
- tracks
- overturned rocks
- scratched logs
- torn-up ant hills
- Avoid areas with typical bear food sources. These include berry patches, grain fields, garbage pits, beehives and anywhere you can see an animal carcass.
- Go with friends. Bears are less likely to approach people in groups. Check each other’s position often and remember that the larger the group, the less likely a bear will hang around.
- Watch for crows, ravens, magpies or jays. These birds often indicate the presence of an animal carcass that may also attract a bear.
- Be alert when in wildlife travel corridors. Rivers and streams, trails and access routes, are common travel corridors for wildlife, including bears. Be cautious when you are in these areas.
- Make sure someone knows your plans. Before your trip, leave names, trip plans and date of return with friends or family.
- Make noise. Talk loudly, sing or let out occasional warning shouts. This will alert bears to your approach so you are less likely to cause a surprise encounter. Remember that other sounds, such as flowing rivers and streams and strong winds, can drown out the noise you make. Be extra noisy at these times.
- If you hike with a dog, keep it on a leash. Your dog should be leashed and under control at all times. An unleashed dog can lead an irritated bear back to you and your friends.
- Avoid being out at dusk, night or dawn. Although bear encounters can happen at any time of day, bears are most active at dusk, night and dawn.
- Keep young children close to you. Children can be particularly at risk because they are small and make erratic movements.