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Bear warning issued for Banff

Parks Canada has issued a bear warning for in and around the Town of Banff. According to Parks, a grizzly bear has been frequenting the area in search of food.

Parks Canada has issued a bear warning for in and around the Town of Banff.

According to Parks, a grizzly bear has been frequenting the area in search of food. The bear has been observed in numerous yards, streets and back lanes, foraging on grass and possibly fruit from non-native fruit trees and bushes. The bear has experienced numerous close proximity encounters with people and in some cases behaved in a startled or curious way.

All wild animals can be dangerous in situations where they feel threatened.

The bear, known as female 148, generally responds well to Parks Canada efforts to move it away from high-use areas. However, with her recent increased activity in the townsite there is heightened risk of the bear accessing unsecured garbage or other unnatural food sources.

There is also increased risk of the bear being startled by people and triggering defensive behaviour. As Halloween nears, Parks requests residents refrain from placing pumpkins, candy or other potential food attractants outdoors. Parks recommends pumpkins be displayed from inside a window.

Parks wildlife management specialists will work in teams of two, around the clock, to monitor the bear’s location and use aversive conditioning, or hazing, to move it away from populated areas. Aversive conditioning is also used to ensure the bear does not become further habituated to people or feeding in populated areas.

Residents and visitors should be prepared to encounter this bear at any time in and around the townsite.

Parks Canada encourages people to follow these safe practices:

· secure all wildlife attractants

· watch for bears when travelling in this area

· travel in groups, supervise children and carry bear spray

· make noise when hiking and cycling

· keep all pets on leash and a close eye on children

· carry bear spray and know how to use it

· maintain a safe distance (at least 100 meters or three bus lengths)

between yourself and any bear

· report all bear sightings immediately to the visitor centre at 224

Banff Avenue, or call Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.


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