Alberta Mountain Towns Work to Coexist with Bears

In Alberta’s picturesque mountain towns, like Banff and Canmore, residents and visitors are learning to coexist with bears. Despite the recent tragic incident, efforts are being made to strike a balance between human habitation and wildlife preservation.

Safety Measures in Banff

Banff National Park, home to the town of Banff, imposes strict rules on garbage disposal and offers residents free fruit tree removal to reduce wildlife attractants. The park emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy wildlife population while ensuring visitor safety.

Community Efforts in Canmore

The neighboring town of Canmore also encounters wildlife wandering into town. It is actively working on plans to help residents coexist harmoniously with wildlife, understanding the unique challenges posed by living in close proximity to national and provincial parks.

Promotion of Safety Measures

Both provincial and national parks are spreading awareness about bear safety. Many people now carry bear spray when venturing into the backcountry, reflecting a significant shift in safety awareness over the years.

The Tragic Incident

The recent bear attack in Banff National Park, which resulted in the death of an Alberta couple and their dog, was a rare and heartbreaking event. Experts believe it was an isolated incident rather than a reflection of general bear behavior.

Precautions in Bear Country

Visitors and residents are urged to take precautions when entering bear country, including carrying bear spray, traveling in groups, and securing food properly. These basic steps help mitigate risks.

Balancing Risk and Reward

While the tragic incident has raised questions about the risks of backpacking in remote wilderness areas, there’s an acknowledgment of the unique rewards of being in pristine, untouched natural environments. The risks, though low in frequency, are an inherent part of these experiences.

Rare Encounters in Banff

Parks Canada reports that non-fatal encounters with grizzly bears in Banff National Park are infrequent, with no fatalities in decades prior to the recent incident.