It's bear season—an exciting time for locals and tourists alike.
It's a time when your eyes are peeled for fresh droppings and rustling bushes, and your camera is at the ready for the perfect photo opportunity—because no matter how many times you encounter a bear, it's always special.
But, even in the excitement of the moment, it’s important to remember that these animals aren’t as cute and cuddly as the teddy bears on your bed. In fact, grizzly and black bears are mating right now and, much like elk during rutting season, males are protective of their mates, making them especially aggressive.
That’s not the only time bears are aggressive, either. They’re protective of their food and they’re protective of their cubs. So if you find yourself too close to either one, there’s no telling what a bear will do. In one instance, they might stand by and let you snap a quick photo. In another, they might just put you on the menu for dinner—because wild animals are just that, wild. The smallest thing could set them off and before you know it, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation.
The only way to avoid an aggressive encounter is to respect the animal by remaining at a safe distance.
It’s recommended that people remain at least 100 metres away from bears, cougars and wolves and at least 30 metres away from elk, deer, sheep, goats and moose.
To view bears and other wildlife in a safe and respectful way, it’s best to remain in your vehicle. Also, be sure to pull over, so other cars can pass by—otherwise the animals could be disturbed when horns start honking or people start yelling.
At this time of year, it’s not uncommon to happen upon dozens of people standing within 30 metres of a grazing bear on the side of Maligne Lake or Cavell roads. If you encounter such a scene, it’s easy to follow the pack, in order to capture the perfect photo, but it’s important to respect the animal and protect yourself. Otherwise, the animal could become aggressive and Parks Canada might have to destroy it.
Now of course, bears don’t only frequent ditches, so you might also run into a one while you’re on foot, without a vehicle to retreat to. In that case, stay back and stay calm; whatever you do, don’t run.
Parks Canada advises that if the bear is unaware of your presence, it’s best to quietly move away. But in an instance where a bear is aware of your presence, it’s recommended that you speak calmly and firmly to the bear to indicate you are a human and not a prey animal.
If your presence makes the bear feel threatened, it might start woofing, growling and snapping its jaw and it might also move toward you. Continue talking to it during such behaviour, and once it stops advancing, back away slowly and attempt to make your body as big as possible.
A bear encounter doesn’t have to end badly and in many cases it doesn’t have to occur at all. Make positive choices while you’re travelling by car or on foot and you might just get that perfect photo without putting yourself or the animal in danger.
