General Safety Around Wildlife
You need to be aware of a possible wildlife encounter when you visit any natural area. Follow these tips to protect both yourself and the wildlife.
- Keep pets on a short leash, walking beside you.
- Dogs off-leash may crush the eggs or young of ground-nesting birds. They may chase wildlife causing them to expend valuable energy needed to survive. Dogs off-leash also sometimes catch and injure animals.
- On a leash, pets are better protected from park wildlife including porcupines, beaver, skunks and coyotes.
- Keep food and garbage away from wildlife.
- Do not feed wildlife. The park's ecosystem provides all the food wildlife requires for their basic needs. Human food can harm or kill animals.
- Glass, metal and plastic litter left on the ground can injure or kill wildlife if eaten.
- Stay on marked designated pathways.
- Keep children in view at all times.
- Quietly observe wildlife. Do not chase or harass wildlife. It is extremely stressful to the animals.
- Leave the area immediately if you come across any type of animal kill.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure that natural sounds, like flowing water, do not mask the sound of your approach.
More Wildlife Safety Info
Reporting A Sighting or Signs
Please report sightings of bears or cougars or signs of their presence. Phone the park office at 403-297-5293 or stop by the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre.
This enables Conservation Officers to monitor an animal's movements and behaviours. It does NOT necessarily mean the animal will be removed from the area.
