Alberta's bears are waking up
Continuing winter weather makes it's easy to forget it's spring and the need for bear safety
Don't let all the snow fool you, it's spring and the bears are waking up in Alberta.
Banff National Park shared a photo on Twitter showing a grizzly bear, believed to be Bear 122 (a.k.a. The Boss), on March 28.
Its that time of year: a male grizzly bear has emerged from hibernation! Females usually show up in the Bow Valley in late April/early May. Brush up on your bear safety here: https://t.co/l3RkFpplUj#WildlifeWednesday
Photo credit: Imgur - https://t.co/qvn6SIj5X1 pic.twitter.com/NIbeJfZEaz
—@BanffNP
It's a reminder to those out enjoying the winter wonderland to be vigilant, even if a well-knownbear like The Boss doesn't seemtoo fussedabout humans being around.
"He's a bear that doesn't have that much concern for closeness to people, and unfortunately that sometimes can make people think he's a safe bear to be around," said bear expert Kim Titchener, who owns Bear Safety & More in Canmore.
"Every bear, just like people, [has] their own amount of space that they can take, with being around people and just how much exposure they have."
Get some friends
Titchener says it's important for those heading out for hikes, cross-country skiing or snowshoe trips to be aware.
"Step 1 is get yourself agroup of friends," she said.
She recommends a group of four or more if you're hitting the trails, to make some noise and to carry bear spray somewhere that's easily accessible.
"The key here with bears isjust letting them know you're in the area," said Titchener.
"If they don't know you're there, that's how people end up in trouble with bears."
Another bit of good advice around bears?
"No selfies. Let's try to have 2018 be the year of no selfies. That would be great."
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