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Campsite Bear Safety Checklist  As we enjoy the final days of summer camping season, our bear neighbours are out and about preparing for their winter getaway. Parks and trails have seen more and more bear encounters, especially around campgrounds, where food and treats can be found.  Here are a few campsite bear safety tips to consider when setting up for your nature stay. Setting Up Your Campsite Consider the location of your campsite. If possible, camp away from wildlife trails, bodies of water, shrubs and berry patches. Leave a bit of space between all the equipment on your site to...

For those that are looking to the great outdoors for their mental health and to enjoy the great outdoors, remember to stay prepared while enjoying the outdoors.   What to do if you encounter a bear?   Defensive Encounter May occur when a bear is defending something such as cubs, its food source or if the bear is surprised by your presence.  Do not run Ready your bear spray Try to appear non-threatening, avoiding eye contact Talk in a calm voice Slowly move away without turning your back to the bear Use your bear spray if the bear comes within usable range...

Frontiersmen Xtra bear spray 2.2% (1.2% Capsaicin plus 1% Capsaicinoids) is now approved for use on Bears and Mountain Lions/Cougars. About cougars For this full article visit Human Wildlife conflict If you see a cougar in your community, call your nearest Fish and Wildlife office. A Fish and Wildlife officer can provide advice on preventing cougar encounters and responding when cougar encounters are unavoidable. Fish & Wildlife Office Contacts Cougars are efficient predators that feed largely on deer. The rest of their diet consists of elk, moose, bighorn sheep and small mammals. A healthy cougar population is an indication of...

Bears are starting to wake up.  This past weekend (March 15-16, 2025) there was a bear sighting in the Panorama area and other places in the area have seen bear tracks. The big grizzlies are usually the first to emerge and you'll see increased bear activity now and going forward as the warmer weather rolls in.  Last year, the first big Grizzlies were spotted March 18 in the Canmore/Banff area. With snow still being found at higher elevations, bears will be headed to lower elevations in search of food.   Be aware, Be outdoors and be prepared as you enjoy the...

Here's an entertaining video on how to use Bear Spray by WildSmart