09/04/2026
This is all true, except that this year's buffaloberry season is very poor and many of the berries already dropped because cold nights came very early, mid-August, with 0 Celsius or even below. Therefore I don't believe this grizzly bear picture was made recently. In years like this the number of human-bear conflicts alway rise in the fall and encountering black and grizzly bears carries an elevated risk because they are distressed.
As we head into the final weeks of summer, bears are busy fueling up for the months ahead.
This is one of the most important times of year to be aware of your surroundings and give wildlife the space they need.
Bears are currently in hyperphagia, a period when they spend most of their day searching for food and consuming as many calories as possible before winter. With their attention focused on feeding, bears may be less aware of people on trails, making surprise encounters more likely.
Whether you're hiking, biking, or exploring the park, take steps to reduce the risk of an encounter:
🔊 Make noise while travelling
👥 Hike in groups of four or more whenever possible
🐕 Keep dogs under control and consider leaving them safe at home, as they can cause stress for wildlife and increase the risk of an encounter
🧴 Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it
👀 Watch for signs of bear activity, such as fresh s**t, flattened vegetation, and berry patches
Being prepared and staying alert helps protect both people and bears.
📞 If you see a bear, report the sighting to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
Let's do our part to keep wildlife wild and Banff safe for everyone. 🌲🐾
