Wildlife Safety Tips

Bear Safety

Bears are attracted to the smell of food. Do not invite bears to your campsite through carelessness.

Always store food out of reach of bears. Use airtight containers in the trunk of your vehicle if possible.
Never store food in a tent or tent trailer.
Never cook or eat in or near your tent.
Do not burn or bury food scraps.
Do not litter:
- Place all garbage in suitable containers provided in campgrounds.
- Take garbage with you if no containers are available.
Clean fish at designated cleaning stations. If no cleaning station is available, dispose of fish remains in proper garbage containers.
Use a flashlight at night.
Do not move about the campground at night unless absolutely necessary.
If camping with a dog, keep it on a leash or in your vehicle. An unleashed or noisy dog may irritate a bear.

If you encounter a bear

Stay calm. Do not run.
Make loud noises but do not approach the bear - this may help ward it off.
If the bear is at a distance, calmly place all foodstuffs in your vehicle.
Enter your vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not harass or chase the bear.
Notify park staff as soon as possible. Phone 780-865-6972 to reach a conservation officer.

To prevent cougar encounters:

Learn to recognize cougar behavior and recent signs of activity such as tracks, scats and markings.
Avoid areas where carcasses have been left. Be aware that cougars often cover their kills with forest debris.
Encourage children to play in supervised groups when outdoors. Make them come inside before dusk.
Teach children what to do if they encounter a cougar.
Keep pets and pet food inside.

When hiking

Travel in a group.
Carry a walking stick and pepper spray.
Make noise to alert cougars of your presence. Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep children and pets close.
If you stumble on cougar kittens, leave the area immediately. A female cougar will aggressively defend her young.
Check with the visitor centre about wildlife sightings before your trip. You can also check Advisories.

If you encounter a cougar

Never approach the animal.
Always leave room for the cougar to easily escape.
Immediately pick up your children - children frighten easily and may run, triggering an attack.
Face the cougar and slowly back away - do not run or play dead.
Stay calm; talk to the cougar in a strong, firm voice.
Make yourself look as large as you can. Hold your arms or an object above your head.
Notify park staff as soon as possible. Phone 780-865-6972 to reach a conservation officer.

If the cougar is aggressive

Shout, wave a stick or throw rocks - this may help prevent an attack by making you appear to be a predator instead of prey.
if a cougar attacks, fight back! People have survived attacks by using bare fists, sticks, fishing rods, rocks, or anything at hand.