If you go out in the woods today, don’t be surprised to see signs of bear activity. The large mammals have emerged from their winter dens within the past week and Parks Canada is already aware of several black bears frequenting areas close to Jasper.

“We’ve had a few sightings already,” said Wes Bradford, the wildlife conflict specialist for Jasper National Park. “There’s been a large black bear in and around the CN Yard and it’s been seen around Pine Bungalows as well.”

Black bears have also been spotted on the fairways of the Jasper Park Lodge golf course, and along Highway 93 near the Valley of the Five Lakes. Bradford said that these individuals are likely male, as female bears and their cubs typically emerge a few weeks later in the spring.

The first unconfirmed bear sighting of the season was recorded on April 3, near the park’s east gate, but Bradford was first able to confirm bear activity on Cinquefoil Ridge on April 7. The timing of the bruins’ seasonal appearance is spot on, he said.

“It’s pretty normal. Last year with the abundant berry crop that we had, the bears should have gone into their dens in very good condition.”

Given the early observations being made by the public and park wardens alike, Bradford doesn’t foresee problems with the spring food supply.

“The black bears I’ve seen have been up around treeline and it looks like they are feeding on kinnickinik berries that have over-wintered,” he said. “There aren’t any alarm bells going off for us this spring.” 

While thus far no grizzly activity has been reported within Jasper National Park, the bigger bears are out and about, according to Bradford. A major grizzly research project underway in the Foothills Model Forest east of JNP has already captured its first subject of the season last Saturday (April 15).

Bradford advises trail users to be bear aware everywhere, not just in locations where activity has been reported.

“Anybody out doing activities has to think bears now,” he said. “There aren’t any areas that people should be really concerned about, but you have to be careful everywhere.”

As the forest emerges from its winter coat of snow, ice and mud, bears will be seeking out sunny slopes and the first patches of green grass. This means that hikers and bikers should pay careful attention on south-facing slopes and along creeks. If you do come across a bear or the signs of one (scat, tracks or diggings) report it to the Warden’s Office or at the Information Centre. Bradford also requested that any carcasses discovered be reported to Parks Canada. Trail users should arm themselves with bear bells and bear spray, he advises.

“We recommend it and I’m a firm believer in bear spray,” Bradford said. “Now’s the time to give it a little test fire to make sure it’s working.”

Meanwhile, preventing problem bears within the townsite is the responsibility of residents as well as Parks staff.

“It’s important to maintain a bear-smart household,” Bradford said. “If the bears get into food and garbage, that’s when we get problem bears early in the season.”

Bradford recommends that locals clean up their bird feeders and barbeques, take extra care to avoid garbage buildup outdoors, and to start feeding pets indoors.