Safety Around Wildlife

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We encourage you to actively discover, explore and experience nature. Here are a few simple tips for safety around wildlife.

Wildlife may look tame but they're not.
They are wild animals. Be cautious no matter when or where you see wildlife.

Keep at least three bus lengths (30 metres/100 feet) away from large animals.
Keep about three times that distance (100 metres/325 feet) away from bears.

In campgrounds and day-use areas, never leave food or leftovers out.
Use bear-proof bins to promptly dispose of garbage.
Feeding or approaching wildlife too closely causes animals to lose their natural fear of people. They may become aggressive, even dangerous.
Feeding wildlife can also
- Attract animals to roadsides where they can be injured or killed by vehicles.
- Harm or kill animals because treats offer poor nutrition.
- Lead to eating garbage, which brings animals into conflict with people.
- Affect your health. Direct contact with wildlife may expose you to rabies and tick-related diseases.

Check advisories which include bear and cougar advisories.
Download our pamphlets.
- Bear Smart
- Living with Wildlife
- Preventing Conflict with Wildlife-Cougars
- Wolves & Outdoor Recreation (Environment & Parks webpage)
Kananaskis Country has special information on safety around wildlife.
- Be Bear Smart
- Be Cougar Alert & Be Elk Wary

AlbertaParks.ca