Celebrate Grizzly bears at Bear Day

Grizzly bear. Stock photo by Dennis Donohue.

As the snow melts and Alberta’s bears begin emerging from their winter dens, Alberta Parks and WildSmart are once again hosting Bear Day in Canmore on Sunday, April 13.

Bear Day is a celebration of all things bear, particularly Grizzly bears. The event provides visitors the opportunity to learn about the challenges that bears face in Alberta, and to learn about the successful bear management strategies that are being used in Kananaskis Country.

The goal of Bear Day is to replace fear with a healthy respect for these animals that represent wilderness for so many people. Through education and the fostering of a deeper connection with nature, many of the challenges faced by both bears and Albertans can be reduced. The Grizzly bear population is estimated at less than 700 in Alberta. As a result, the province listed the Grizzly bear as a threatened species in 2010.

This family-oriented event, held at the Canmore Senior’s Drop-In Centre, features bear spray demonstrations, family programs, bear talks, a bear trapping demonstration and a scavenger hunt for the kids. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet a Karelian bear dog, learn how to hike and camp safely in bear country, and view Grizzly bear and other wildlife displays.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the majority of activities will take place indoors.

Program Details:

10 a.m.                 Bear spray demonstration

10:30 a.m.           Bear trapping demonstration

11 a.m.                 Tips for staying safe in bear country (talk); Bear Aware! (family program); Bear spray demonstration

12 p.m.                 Bear Day Official Welcome

12:15 p.m.           Karelian Bear dogs (talk)

1 p.m.                   Wildlife Research with remote cameras (talk); Bear spray demonstration

2 p.m.                   Teaching bears to be safe (talk); Bear Aware! (family program); Bear spray demonstration

Related information:

Bear Day | Alberta Parks | Wildsmart

Multimedia:

Bear Day Photos | Bear Day Commercial | Bear Scratching Video

Media inquiries:

Kim Titchener | 403-493-0375 | Alberta WildSmart

Claudette Landry | 403-591-6319 | Interpretation and Education Coordinator, Alberta Parks