Bow Valley WildSmart

06/05/2026

🐻Reports of bears continue to increase as more people are out on the landscape. Lots of grizzly bears are out in K-Country, and there are an increasing number of black bear sightings around Canmore, on both sides of the valley.
🐻With bears being seen around Canmore, and aggressive mother elk protecting their calves, it is a good idea to be carrying your bear spray whenever you leave the house to go out for a walk, run or ride!
🐻Several mothers with cubs continue to be seen regularly in the Bow Valley and K-Country roadside. If you like bears and want to keep them safe - give them lots of space, at least 100m, even while in your car!
🐻A reminder to campers and day users to ensure you keep a clean and wildlife attractant free picnic area and campsite. Do not leave food unattended, even for a minute, and do not burn food in fire pits or leave any garbage or food waste in fire pits or around campsites and cooking areas.
🐻Elk continue calving in and around Canmore and they are being very protective of their young. Never approach elk for any reason and never try to sneak past them! Even bikers should not be trying to sneak past elk on the trails.
🐻When walking with dogs, stay well clear of all elk (we recommend over 100m) and leave the area immediately.
🐻Learn about the dangers of urban elk, what black bears do in June, plus more in this week's bear report!

Did you know that WildSmart is a program of the Biosphere Institute, a local charity? Our work relies entirely on donations and sponsors. If you would like to support our community-based efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence, please donate now! BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (June 4, 2026)

06/02/2026

Coyote Warning: Bow Falls Trail, Glen Avenue, Glen Crescent, and Spray Avenue in Banff (see map) due to active coyotes in the area that have been exhibiting aggressive behaviour. Keep animals leashed and under control, give coyotes space, and report sightings at 403-762-1470. More info at: https://ow.ly/meyZ50Z6J5S

05/31/2026

We’re proud to share that our amazing Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors have been shortlisted as a finalist in the Public Education and Outreach category for the 35th Annual Emerald Awards for their efforts in keeping people and wildlife safe in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country since 2007!

The Emerald Awards bring together organizations and individuals from across Alberta, celebrating the work that’s shaping a more sustainable and resilient future 🌱 and we’re honoured to be included among them.

If you’re interested in helping celebrate our work and learn more about the wide range of environmental leadership happening in Alberta, we’d love to have you join us at the ceremony on June 4 in Calgary. Get your tickets now at: https://ow.ly/lR5250Z5Sn6
Use Promo code: SHORTLIST26 for 50% off!

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also tune into the livestream at: https://ow.ly/WG7I50Z5Sn3

05/30/2026

At Your Bark and Call is super excited to announce their Grand Opening Fundraiser today from 12-5pm! Come on by and check out the new digs and help them raise some funds for the Bow Valley SPCA. It should be a fun afternoon!

05/30/2026

This Grand Opening Fundraiser is happening today from 12-5pm.

We are super excited to announce our grand opening!! Come on by and check out the new digs and help us raise some funds for our local SPCA. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!! Should be a fun afternoon!

05/29/2026

🐻This week bears have certainly been in the news and there have been many sightings of both grizzly and black bears throughout the Bow Valley, including near residential areas, and in K-Country.
🐻There have also been almost daily reports of multiple bears on the golf courses in and around Canmore and K-Country; even golfers should be carrying bear spray, giving wildlife space and making sure they do NOT leave any food and attractants unattended in their golf carts!
🐻A black bear was tranquilized and relocated on May 23 after feeding on an elk calf near Policeman’s Creek close to downtown Canmore.
🐻The big male bears are out and about, and several family groups of bears have been spotted regularly in the Bow Valley and K-Country, so be extra vigilant and respect these bears by giving them plenty of room to feed undisturbed.
🐻Drivers need to be cautious of bears feeding roadside - Remember to obey speed limits and slow down when passing wildlife, but don’t stop, and always stay in your vehicle.
🐻If you like bears and want to keep them safe - give them lots of space, at least 100m, even while in your car.
🐻Keep campsites clean and Never leave food unattended - not even for a minute!
🐻Aggressive mother elk charging at people getting too close to their calves are being encountered daily in Canmore. Never approach elk for any reason and never try to sneak past them!
🐻We’re proud to share that our amazing Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors have been shortlisted as a finalist in the Public Education and Outreach category for the 35th Annual Emerald Awards!
🐻Find out more in this week's bear report!

Did you know that WildSmart is a program of the Biosphere Institute, a local charity? Our work relies entirely on donations and sponsors. If you would like to support our community-based efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence, please donate now! BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (May 28, 2026)

05/28/2026

Bear Warning - Bill Benson Trail and the Lower Lake Trail between William Watson Lodge and Canyon Day Use because of multiple bears in the area. More info at: https://ow.ly/9mmY50Z5b5L

05/27/2026

Elk Warning - Spur Line Trail, Larch Island & surrounding areas in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park due to aggressive cow elk. Cow elk can become aggressive this time of year as they are calving and are protective of newborn calves. Although a warning is in place for these areas, elk can be encountered anywhere at any time. More info at: https://ow.ly/Zki850Z4NBc
🦌 If you see any elk, immediately leave the area and DO NOT TRY TO SNEAK PAST THEM
🦌 Give elk lots of space, at least 30m (3 school bus lengths)
🦌 Keep your pets on a leash
🦌 Always carry bear spray and be prepared to use it

05/26/2026

Wildlife Warning: Pomeroy Hotel, Residences, Woody's Pub, and Surrounding Trails (Kananaskis Village Area) because unattended garbage was accessed by wildlife. It is unknown what species of wildlife accessed the garbage. More info at: https://ow.ly/OQig50Z4ilq