A wildlife photographer named Mike Reece had an unexpected encounter at Fish Creek Provincial Park while searching for owls. Reece was surprised to come face to face with a black bear, just four feet away. Typically, he would yell at black bears to make them run away, but this one quickly turned and headed towards the river before Reece could react.
To avoid another encounter, Reece promptly turned around but encountered the bear again at a nearby beaver dam. The bear was seen climbing logs and fishing, even munching on cattails. Reece described the setting as exhilarating, with beavers reacting to the unfamiliar presence of a black bear in their territory.
Following the incident, Reece mentioned that he would carry bear spray during future visits to Fish Creek. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) reported multiple sightings of the same bear since June 16 in Fish Creek Provincial Park. The FWES confirmed that the bear is likely a juvenile and has been spotted mainly in specific green spaces within the park.
According to FWES, there haven’t been reports of aggressive behavior or evidence of the bear accessing unnatural food sources. Sara Jordan-McLachlan, a wildlife biologist in Calgary, explained that bear sightings in and around Fish Creek are relatively common due to the area’s abundant food sources and wildlife corridors.
Calgary’s website lists eleven neighborhoods in the southwest quadrant known to be frequented by bears, including Oakridge, Discovery Ridge, and Woodlands. Last year, FWES relocated two bears captured within Calgary. Jordan-McLachlan advised being prepared to encounter bears at any time, emphasizing the importance of staying on designated trails to avoid unexpected bear encounters.
While non-aggressive bear encounters are likely, it is crucial for people to be bear aware and not actively seek out bears. Provoking a defensive attack by getting too close to a bear while it is focused on food could lead to aggressive behavior. Jordan-McLachlan warned against trying to locate the bear, as it could feel cornered and result in a potentially dangerous situation.