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Campsite Safety Checklist Before you head out this weekend, here are a few reminders on how to keep your wilderness living space safe.  Emergency Preparedness In case of emergency, have the following on hand:  First aid kit Matches/lighter  Flashlight and batteries  Pocket knife Whistle, flare and flare gun Extra water  Campfire Before you go, ensure you have reviewed campsite regulations and potential fire fans. Warm, dry weather can increase the risk of forest fires, but campfires can be risky all year round.  What a safe campfire looks like:  Use an approved fire-ring or pit, and make sure there's a four-foot...

As we enjoy the outdoors and the mental health the outdoors brings, it's important that we remember to stay safe in bear country and carry bear spray.  Travelling in smaller groups to keep our social distances makes carrying bear spray even more essential.   So, what's the difference in bears?   Black bears can be black, blue-black, dark brown, brown, cinnamon and even white. Grizzlies can range from from black to blond. Size is not a good indicator of which species is which.  Black bears can weigh up to 800 pounds in the fall, and grizzly bears on Alberta’s Eastern Slopes can weigh as little...

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...

  From WildSmart on the Trail (click here to go to their website) Carry Bear Spray and Know How To Use It Below is one of our favorite videos on how to use bear spray. When recreating in bear country, your best strategy to avoid an encounter with a bear is to make lots of noise, stay in groupsand be alert for signs of bears in the area. Diggings, scat, visible tracks and overturned logs and rocks, are all early warning signs that bears are around. In most cases, bears will do their best to avoid people. Most encounters happen because bears are...

It's important to be prepared for wildlife encounters with Elk at this time of year.  We commonly hear of someone biking, hiking or walking near Elk only to surprise an Elk calf lying in the grass out of site which puts Mom Elk on the defensive.  Be outdoors and be prepared for all wildlife encounters as you venture out.   Here's a recent caution on Elk encounters:  Elk Caution Canmore Area