Grizzly Bear & Wildlife Conservation

Parks Canada, the governing body that manages our National Parks, employs numerous conservation programs to maintain the integrity of ecosystems within the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason. This unique area welcomes several million visitors each year while maintaining a high density of grizzly bears, which typically avoid areas with high human populations.

Diversionary Feeding

One innovative approach used is diversionary feeding, where carcasses are strategically placed in areas away from human activity in areas that would mimic an avalanche. This helps to keep bears and other wildlife away from populated zones, reducing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts. By providing alternative food sources, the program encourages wildlife to remain in safer, more natural habitats. This tactic is employed in spring, when food availability is often unpredictable. 

GPS Tracking

Advanced GPS tracking technology plays a critical role in monitoring wildlife movements. By fitting animals with GPS collars, researchers can collect data on their range, behaviours, and interactions with human infrastructure. This can allow for tracking of  bears that have a tendency to wander too close to human populated areas, and moving them in other directions before becoming a problem. This information is invaluable for making informed decisions on wildlife management and for identifying critical habitats that need protection.

Bear Re-Education Programs

Bear re-education programs are designed to help bears develop or maintain a healthy fear of humans. These programs use aversive conditioning techniques, such as noise makers and non-lethal deterrents, to discourage bears from approaching human areas. This reduces the risk of negative encounters and helps bears stay safe in their natural environment. Parks Canada also utilizes the expression “Hey Bear” prior to administering a deterrent in an effort of conditioning the bears to move away when these words are shouted by hikers in bear country. 

Wildlife Corridors

An extensive network of wildlife corridors has been established to connect suitable habitats and facilitate safe wildlife movement; these corridors cause the park to undergo seasonal closures of areas depending on wildlife needs. These corridors are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and ecological health by allowing animals to travel between isolated patches of habitat. They also help reduce the risk of inbreeding and increase the resilience of wildlife populations to environmental changes.

Wildlife Crossing Structures

Often recognized as one of Canada’s most successful conservation programs, Banff National park has constructed multiple wildlife crossing structures over and under highways. These structures, including overpasses and underpasses, provide safe passage for animals, significantly reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by 80%. This initiative not only protects wildlife but also enhances human safety on the roads. More of these crossing structures continue to be added and it has become a global inspiration for protecting wildlife in many areas. 

Public Education

Perhaps the most notable and ongoing mission is public education. Educating visitors on how to behave in wild spaces and respect wildlife is crucial for coexistence. Parks Canada offers a variety of educational programs and materials, including visitor center exhibits, guided tours, and informational signage. These efforts aim to increase awareness and promote responsible behavior, such as proper food storage, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife and respectful wildlife photography.