Advisories

Bear Warning - Commonwealth Creek Area

Effective: September 9, 2024

Effective Date: September 9, 2024 until further notice.
Where: Commonwealth Creek area, including Mount Smuts, Mount Smutwood and Birdwood Lakes.
Why: A group of hikers encountered a grizzly bear that followed them. Bear spray was deployed and the bear retreated.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

Affected Areas

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Spray Valley Provincial Park

Mount Smuts, Mount Smutwood, Birdwood Lakes, Commonwealth Creek

Bear Warning - Spray Lakes West Campground

Effective: September 1, 2024

Effective Date: September 1, 2024, until further notice
Where: Spray Lakes West Campground
Why: Bear in the campground area.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

Affected Areas

Spray Valley Provincial Park

Spray Lakes West Campground

Bear Warning - Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground

Effective: August 13, 2024

Effective Date: August 13, 2023 until further notice
Where: Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground and surrounding area.
Why: Bears frequenting and feeding in the area.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

Affected Areas

Spray Valley Provincial Park

Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground

Ribbon Creek Day Use

Ribbon Creek (Summer) Trail

Ribbon Lake

Bear Warning - High Rockies Trail

Effective: July 8, 2024

Effective Date: July 8, 2024, until further notice.
Where: A portion of High Rockies Trail from the Goat Pond Dam to Spray Lakes West Campground
Why: Black bear bluff charge on trail.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.