A black bear went from campsite to campsite in search of food at Spray West Campground in Kananaskis Country last Saturday (June 4), prompting a bear warning for the area.
Provincial wildlife officials advise that extra caution should be taken to make sure all food, garbage, recyclables, pet food, or any other scented items when not in use, are kept in a hard-sided trailer or vehicle.
Conservation officer Arian Spiteri said the black bear went through three different campsites Saturday evening as campers were sitting outside, noting this bear’s behaviour leads her to believe it has previously had access to food or garbage.
“The bear appeared to be investigating everything. It investigated pet bowls, fire pits, it bit into bug spray and got sprayed and bit into a citronella canister,” said Spiteri.
“People were actually present in the sites and when the bear approached into the sites everyone retreated into their vehicles. We suspect this bear has gotten into food at some point, which is why we’re seeing this type of behaviour.”
The bear eventually left the campground and there were no more reports at the time the Outlook went to press.
Conservation officers continue to monitor the situation.
“If we get any further reports, we’ll go from there,” said Spiteri. “Depending on reports, we may try to trap the bear and try to do conditioning to keep it away from the campground.”
Campers are reminded to properly store all food, or other wildlife attractants, in a hard-sided vehicle whenever a campsite is left unattended, whether that means going for a short time to the washroom, or for a walk or leaving the site for a longer period.
In a case like this when campers are at their site, conservation officers recommend they pack up food or other attractants and put them away as soon as they are done with them.
“You’re just going that step further by putting attractants away when they’re not in use,” said Spiteri. “That way if an animal comes into the site and you retreat into your camper, it’s not getting further rewards.”
In bear country, it’s recommended people make plenty of noise and travel in groups, be aware of their surroundings and look and listen for bears, as well as carry bear spray and know how to use it.
By law, pets must be kept on leash at all times.
Please report all bear sightings in Canmore and Kananaskis Country immediately to 403-591-7755.
