MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Residents of and visitors to the Mountain View County should be aware that bears are coming out of hibernation right now, meaning everyone should now exercise the necessary caution to avoid unwanted interactions, says Paul Fraser, chairman of Mountain View BearSmart Society.
“Yes, bears are starting to emerge from their winter dens,” Fraser told the Albertan. “Mountain View BearSmart has only received one bear sighting in Mountain View and Clearwater counties so far – back in February – but I’m sure bears are now active in our area as well.”
There have already been some few cougar sightings in the district, he noted.
The society's weekly bear activity report for 2025 will start as soon as members receive bear sightings in Mountain View and Clearwater counties, he said.
“We post bear, cougar, wolf and other wildlife sightings as we receive them so please check our website between weekly reports,” he said.
As a not-for-profit, the society strives to promote bear and wildlife awareness through education, public information, and notification system and works in collaboration with residents, tourists, industry, and government agencies to achieve its goals, he said.
With bears now coming back onto the landscape, the provincial government has also been actively encouraging residents and visitors to exercise caution and awareness.
“The public safety message from the government of Alberta pretty much covers everything we try to tell residents,” he said. “In addition, if you live in a town, on an acreage or on a farm in our counties, make sure that you store your garbage securely, don't hang bird seed feeders, don't leave pet food outside, and clean the barbecue.
“Bears are always hungry and always searching for food. If you don't want them in your yard then don't provide them with a meal. Practising BearSmart habits will help prevent unpleasant encounters with cougars as well.”
It is important to always keep children close and within sight when in cougar and bear country.
Todd Loewen, minister of Forestry and Parks, said appropriate precautions when in bear country is a must.
“Bear safety is a shared responsibility, and simple precautions can help prevent encounters,” Loewen said in a release.
“As bears return to the landscape, we ask everyone enjoying Alberta’s trails, parks and great outdoors to be alert and take the necessary steps to avoid conflicts.”
Those recommended precautions include travelling in groups, making noise regularly to avoid surprising a bear or cougar, keeping dogs on leash at all times, storing food, garbage and other attractants in bear-resistant containers or facilities, and avoiding areas with fresh signs of bear activity such as tracks, scat or diggings, he said.
“Backcountry users, hikers, campers and anglers should exercise increased caution around lakeshores, creeks, berry patches and areas of limited visibility,” Loewen said. “Bears often use these locations as travel routes and feeding areas.”
If you happen to encounter a bear remain calm and do not run, back away slowly while speaking in a calm, firm voice, he said.
“If a bear approaches, prepare to use bear spray when within range,” he said.
Mountain View BearSmart Society was formed in November 2008. It is a community-based group of volunteers who work in conjunction with Alberta Environment & Protected Areas, Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Mountain View County, and Clearwater County to minimize the potential conflict between humans, bears and other wildlife.
