Black bears in Jasper & Banff National Park
Look out, you are entering bear country! Everywhere you go, you see the signs.
This unexpected encounter is every visitor's number one dream.
When walking in bear territory it is important to make noise. If a bear hears people approaching, it will usually avoid them. That applies to the black bear in particular.
Two situations are extremely dangerous: a bear with its young and a bear that is eating. Quietly retreating is the best solution.
Running away can be very dangerous as it stimulates the bear's aggressive behaviour. Climbing up a tree is not much help either when dealing with a black bear. It is simply a better climber.
Adult grizzlies on the other hand can hardly ever be seen climbing.
Black bears are omnivores. They adapt their menu to the time of year. They hibernate in winter, when their young are born. These stay with their mother for eighteen months, after which they go their own way.
Feeding bears is extremely dangerous and absolutely prohibited. Without feeding they keep their natural fear of people.
Bears that are used to people can get very aggressive at the next encounter.
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