Provincial officials say warm weather and a lack of snow cover in Central Alberta could cause bears to leave their dens early this spring.
The Mountain View BearSmart Society and Alberta Environment and Parks officials will be hosting an information centre at the Water Valley Community Hall this Saturday to discuss bear and cougar safety.
Wildlife biologist Chiara Feder and provincial carnivore specialist Paul Frame will also be discussing the grizzly bear management plan and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Feder said the session will be held in Water Valley because there is a high risk of bear and cougar conflicts in the area.
The Mountain View BearSmart society has already received one report of a black bear sighting this year in the Fallen Timber area. Feder said bears most likely began venturing out of their dens on March 1.
“They probably will not be super active for another month or so,” said Feder.
“There is nothing to eat yet. It will be nice and warm, but unless there is something to eat, they won't necessarily come out,” she said.
“We will probably start to see bears here and there, but they might be kind of waking up, not yet completely active and mobile.”
Bears usually start coming out of their dens in late March or early April.
She encourages people to attend the information session from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 19 to learn more about animals that live in and around the area.
She said there are ways people can avoid bear and cougar encounters.
“Secure all your attractants and make sure that you have good visibility,” she said, adding it's a good idea to clear bushes and keep grass trimmed because animals like cover.
People are also reminded to put bird feeders away, dispose of garbage properly and use bear-proof bins if possible.
“And when you are outside, I definitely always discourage earbuds in your ear, just for you to be aware of what is around you,” she said.
“And make noise.”
She encourages people to walk in groups and keep their pets on a leash when they are outside.
If someone encounters a bear or a cougar they are advised to give the animal space, make noise and back away from it.
For more information on bears and cougars, or to keep up to date with sightings in the county, visit www.mountainviewbearsmart.com.
"We will probably start to see bears here and there, but they might be kind of waking up, not yet completely active and mobile."Chiara Feder,wildlife biologist
