Canadian Rockies Bear And Wildlife Safety Tips

The best way to view wildlife in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is to do so with as little disruption to the animals as possible. With so many visitors in the parks each year it is important that the animals do not become habituated. When they get used to human presence they lose their natural instinctive fear. The worst case scenario is when an animal such a bear becomes habituated to sourcing out human food.

• It is against the law to disturb wildlife. Never harass, entice or touch an animal. Never feed any wildlife. You can be charged in a national park for any of these actions.
• If you are traveling with a dog it must be leashed at all times in the National Parks. It must not be allowed to disturb or chase any wildlife. There are a few trails within sensitive areas in the parks where dogs are not allowed. Check with Parks Canada before you take your dog on a trail. Keep your dog well away from deer or elk, they can attack even when not provoked. They are especially prone to attacking if they are trying to protect their young.
• Remain alert. Drive slowly and watch for animals on or near the road, especially near dawn or dusk.  Deer, elk and bighorn sheep are seldom alone, if you see one look for more that may follow behind. At night use extra caution, watch for shining eyes that your headlights might catch.
• If vehicles have stopped to watch a bear be very cautious driving past, it may be nervous and dart out into the road at any time.
• Stop your car to watch animals only if you can pull off the road safely. Do not block traffic and do not get out of your vehicle.
• When viewing wildlife be quiet and use binoculars so you can see them from farther away. Use a telephoto lens to take photographs. These methods are the best way to watch the animals go about their natural behavior. Do not creep forward to get closer.
• If an animal shows aggression, appears nervous or you have caused them to move then you are too close!
• Rule of thumb is to stay two bus lengths away from large ungulates such as elk, deer, sheep and moose and twice as far from bears, wolves and cougars.
• Obey all warning and closure signs. If there is a closure due to a bear in the area it can be because it’s actively feeding on an animal carcass or there is a mother with her cubs, either way this is a dangerous time to be near a bear.
• During the rutting season in September and October the male elk are aggressive and will fight anything that approaches, even a vehicle! In May and June you may not see young that are hidden close by the female elk, the mother will become aggressive if you approach.
• Mountain sheep can also be aggressive, keep your distance.