Wild scene from the roads of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, where an alert conservation officer positioned his vehicle between a pair of cyclist and an aggressive roadside grizzly bear.
Grizzly bears are a signature wildlife species in Banff National Park, with Parks Canada estimating about 65 bears living within the park. Grizzlies are classified as a species of special concern as they reproduce slowly and are closely monitored to help protect a population that is especially vulnerable to human activity.
The following video was taken yesterday and shows a tense moment when two vulnerable bikers came in close proximity with a grizzly bear that seemed intent on approaching them. Thankfully a conservation officer happen to be on the scene and was able to position himself between the bikers and the bear leading to peaceful outcome to an otherwise tense situation.
Human and grizzly conflict in Banff National Park is managed as a serious conservation and safety issue as the park’s resident bears live in a busy landscape full of trails, roads, campgrounds. Although serious incidents are rare, Banff has seen fatal attacks, including a 2023 grizzly attack that killed two people and a dog.
Parks Canada advises bikers in bear country that their speed and quietness put them at increased risk for sudden bear encounters. Bikers should slow down through shrubby areas and when approaching blind corners, make noise, travel in groups, be alert and always watch ahead. Another big safety tip is to never wear ear buds while biking in bear country as it decreases your situational awareness.
Parks Canada Guide To Bear Encounters:
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.
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.
