Each the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta are house to massive numbers of grizzly bears. On provincial land alone, Alberta has an estimated 691 grizzly bears, whereas British Columbia has as much as 16,000.
Grizzly bears sometimes keep away from people, however crops, livestock and rubbish in rural areas can encourage human-bear conflicts. Usually they steer clear of individuals, however feminine grizzlies, or sows, might be extremely protecting of their cubs. Such was the case when this grizzly sow charged at a truck in Alberta, seemingly defending the three cubs she had in tow.
Although this truck driver doesnât appear to be behaving recklessly all through this encounter, you will need to keep in mind the right habits round grizzly bears. In the event you see a bear on the roadside out of your automobile, don’t cease. Stopping for a better look or to take an image will solely additional habituate the animal, presumably resulting in extra human-bear encounters sooner or later. As a substitute simply drive alongside. Learn extra on bear security beneath.
What ought to I do if I see a bear however the bear doesnât see me?
- Donât appeal to consideration. Depart the best way you got here with out calling consideration to your self. Retreat slowly whereas protecting your eye on the bear. By no means run.
- In the event you should transfer ahead, give the bear a large berth. You probably have no alternative however to maneuver ahead, give the bear as a lot area as you may.
- Keep quiet and alert. Even for those who suppose you’re a protected distance away from the bear, stay quiet, alert and calm. Proceed looking forward to the bear till you attain your vacation spot.
What ought to I do if I see the bear and the bear sees me?
- Don’t run. Keep calm. Keep along with your group and preserve youngsters shut. Assess the state of affairs.
- Go searching. In the event you see cubs or an animal carcass, the bear will wish to shield them. In the event you see both, again away from them.
- Put together to make use of your bear spray.
- Again out. Depart the realm the best way that you just got here. Hold your eye on the bear with out looking at it aggressively.
- Look ahead to a spot to cover. As you again away, search out a spot of security, corresponding to a automobile or constructing.
- Converse to the bear in a tender, low voice. Let the bear know that you’re human and never a prey animal.
- Use your noisemaker and put together to defend your self with bear spray.
- In the event you encounter a bear at shut vary once youâre in your bike:
- step off your bike and stroll slowly away:
- preserve your bike between you and the bear:
- don’t attempt to outrun or out-cycle the bear; and
- depart the realm the best way you got here for those who spot a bear from a distance.
