There are someplace round 20,000 grizzly bears remaining in western Alberta, the Yukon and Northwest Territories and British Columbia. On Alberta’s provincial lands, there’s an estimated 691 grizzlies, essentially the most of which (109) stay in Jasper Nationwide Park. However Banff Nationwide Park continues to be residence to an estimated inhabitants round 65 people.
The summer time gondola at Lake Louise Ski Resort, situated inside Banff Nationwide Park, is a well-known hotspot for secure wildlife viewing in Canada, with views of lynx, moose, mountain goats, elk, deer, black bears, and grizzly bears typically seen from the elevate. Whereas most of these animals are a lot tougher to seek out when the resort is open for skiers and snowboarders, it’s not unimaginable. Within the case beneath, a snowboarder managed to come back throughout a grizzly bear because it meandered down the slopes.
Grizzly bears aren’t normally agressive in direction of people however getting too shut could be harmful for each the animal and the individual. The quantity of area would possibly rely on the place you’re, however guideline is often not less than 100 yards (300 toes). Should you spot a bear in your path, it’s best to take a huge detour to keep away from showing threatening. Whereas this snowboarder did decelerate a bit near the animal, he continued to maneuver alongside and appeared to grasp that the bear wanted to be left alone. Learn extra on bear security beneath:
It’s powerful to foretell the very best technique in case you ever face a wild bear. That’s why it’s so essential to deal with avoiding an encounter within the first place.
However in case you do end up in that scenario, listed here are some suggestions that will help you deal with it.
Preserve Your self Calm
Bears are normally simply curious creatures. Should you see one standing on its hind legs, it’s most likely simply attempting to catch your scent. This isn’t essentially an indication of aggression.
Operating would possibly look like a good suggestion, however it may well truly set off a chase response. Bears can outrun you with out breaking a sweat. So, take a deep breath and hold your cool.
When you’ve got children with you, choose them as much as stop them from panicking or working.
Use Your Bear Spray
Bear spray needs to be your final resort, however it’s vital whenever you’re within the Banff Nationwide Park. It may be actually efficient if a bear will get too shut. Simply ensure you know methods to use it.
Preserve it useful and get accustomed to the way it works. Lake Louise Ski Resort has a Bear Consciousness Program the place you may learn to use bear spray correctly. It’s a good way to really feel extra assured and secure throughout your go to.
Again Away Slowly
Should you spot a bear in your path, the very best factor to do is make a large detour. Give the bear loads of area to keep away from making it really feel threatened. Slowly start to again away, speaking in a tender, calm voice. Staying in a gaggle will also be reassuring and make you seem bigger to the bear.
Keep away from direct eye contact as a result of bears can see that as a problem. As a substitute, have a look at the bear’s brow or shoulder. It reveals the bear that you simply’re not a risk, giving it the possibility to maneuver away by itself.
Do NOT Drop Objects
While you encounter a bear, it’d look like a good suggestion to drop objects to distract it, however this may truly make the scenario worse. Bears are curious and will come nearer to analyze what you dropped.
Additionally, by no means feed the bears. If a bear receives meals, it will get rewarded for its aggressive conduct, making it extra more likely to strategy people sooner or later.
Preserve your snacks to your self, and ensure to pack out all of your trash for bear security.
