Spring sunshine and warmth bring bears out of hibernation.
Because of that, the Alberta government is reminding people to take the proper precautions when spending time in the great outdoors.
Due to black and grizzly bears and their cubs emerging from their dens in search of food in spring, this time of year marks a high-risk period for human-bear encounters.
Not only that, but because the bear's natural food sources are limited early in the season, they could be drawn closer to trails, roads, campsites, and residential areas.
"As bears return to the landscape, we ask everyone enjoying Alberta’s trails, parks and great outdoors to be alert and take the necessary steps to avoid conflicts," explained the Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen, in a media release. "Bear safety is a shared responsibility, and simple precautions can help prevent serious encounters."
Banff's resident grizzly, known as 'The Boss', was spotted on a trail camera earlier this week.
While he is known to be an early riser out of hibernation, his presence signals the emergence of other bears from hibernation in the Rockies.
The main time for bear activity each year is between May and October, and bears can be attracted to unsecured garbage, pet food, compost, birdseed, and natural or decorative fruit.
To help reduce bear encounters, it's advised to reduce the number of attractants in the area.
When spending time in bear country, the Provincial government recommends people travel in groups and stay on official trails, make regular noise to avoid surprising a bear, keep dogs on leashes at all times, carry bear spray and know how to use it, store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers or facilities, and avoid areas with fresh signs of bear activity, which include tracks, scat, and diggings.
Not only that, but when in the backcountry, exercise extra caution around lakeshores, creeks, berry patches, and areas that have limited visibility, as bears often use these locations as travel routes and feeding areas.
If you encounter a bear, remain calm and do not run.
Back away slowly instead, and speak in a calm, firm voice, and if a bear approaches, be prepared to use bear spray.
If there are bear sightings or incidents in Kananaskis Country can be reported to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755, and bear encounters outside of K-County can be reported to Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-642-3800.