Just as Jasper's humans have settled into their hibernation, the bears are waking up.
Jasper National Park announced on their Facebook page today (March 31) that a medium-sized black bear was spotted yesterday.
The bear was on Wynd Road, close to the railroad tracks, near the Jasper townsite.
Bear safety
If you are driving: stay in your car, and consider not stopping.
If you are not in a vehicle:
- Stay calm. If a bear rears on its hind legs and waves its nose about, it is trying to identify you. Remain still and talk calmly so that it knows you are human and not a prey animal. Bears may also bluff charge: run toward you and turn away at the last moment. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack.
- Pick up children, stay in a group.
- Back away slowly, don’t run.
- Leave the area. If this is impossible, wait until the bear leaves; make sure it has an escape route.
To reduce your risk of a surprise encounter:
- Make noise. Clap, sing or yell to announce your presence, especially where a bear might not otherwise smell, hear or see you coming. (Bear bells are not very effective.)
- Travel in groups, on established trails, and during daylight hours.
- Minimize odours by proper storage of food, garbage and toiletries.
- Leave the area if you see a bear or fresh tracks, droppings, diggings; or if you come across a large dead animal (a bear may be nearby).
If you surprise a bear and it defends itself:
- Use bear spray if you have it.
- PLAY DEAD, let it know you are not a threat: lie on stomach with legs apart, cover back of head and neck with hands, keep pack on to protect your back.
If a bear stalks you and then attacks, or attacks at night:
- Try to escape, use bear spray if you have it.
- FIGHT BACK, let it know that you are not easy prey. (This kind of predatory attack is very rare)
Report all bear sightings to Jasper Dispatch at 780-852-6155.
