Facebook/Town of Okotoks
Okotokians are being warned of a bear sighting in town.
A bear was spotted in Waller Park (100 and 102 Riverside Drive West) on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Due to the bear being in Town, bear warning signs have been posted in the area, letting people know they need to stay alert and aware of their surroundings in the area.
While enjoying the dog days of summer in Waller Park, the Town of Okotoks reminds people to keep pets on a leash, keep children close, travel in groups whenever possible, carry bear spray in a readily accessible location, and never approach or feed wildlife.
If you do encounter a bear, give them plenty of space, keep calm and do not run, and speak to the bear calmly and firmly, which indicates to the bear that you are not a prey animal.
If the bear is eating or protecting its young, it could become defensive.
In that case, try to appear to be non-threatening and talk in a calm voice.
If you encounter a bear, slowly back away from the bear whenever the bear is not advancing, and do not turn your back to the bear.
All bear sightings should be reported to Report a Poacher at 1-800-642-3800.
To learn more about wildlife in town, click here.