A recent spate of bear attacks in southwestern Alberta is likely due to a bumper crop of buffaloberries, one of their major summer food sources, a local biologist said Thursday.
“This is one of the best berry crops in recent memory,” said human-wildlife conflict biologist Jay Honeyman, with Alberta Environment and Parks.
“That’s brought both black and grizzly bears to the valley bottom to feed on these berries. Ironically, it’s also one of the busiest times for recreational use.”
In addition to this week’s attacks on hikers near Cochrane and Canmore, Honeyman said there have been more than a few near misses lately. Many trails have berry bushes on either side and poor sight lines, a potentially dangerous combination.
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“In one case, a fellow actually hit a grizzly bear on his bike,” Honeyman said.
Bikes are especially risky during the feeding season, Honeyman said, because they’re quick and quiet, allowing people to sneak up on wildlife without realizing.
Buffaloberry season runs until the end of August, but then, other berries will be ripening until October.
To steer clear of grizzlies and black bears alike, Honeyman said hikers should learn to recognize which berries are in season, and consider switching trails if they see plenty of them around.
They should also carry bear spray on their person, not in a backpack or on a bike, keep dogs on leash, travel in groups and make plenty of noise to avoid surprising anything.
“Bears don’t like surprises,” he said.
More information is available at wildsmart.ca.
