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.
- Fines for not obeying regulations related to pets range from $120 to $2000.
- 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, cougars or injured wildlife with information on location, time and as much detail as possible. Phone Kananaskis Emergency Dispatch at 403-591-7755. 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.
