Wildlife enthusiast Mike Reece had an unexpected encounter with a black bear during his photography expedition at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. Reece described the close encounter as the bear peered at him from just four feet away, surprising him with its sudden appearance. Despite his usual tactic of yelling at black bears to make them flee, Reece didn’t have the chance to do so this time as the bear swiftly turned and headed towards the river.
Seeking to avoid another encounter, Reece quickly changed his path only to stumble upon the bear once again near a beaver dam. He observed the bear climbing logs, fishing, and munching on cattails, while the nearby beavers expressed their displeasure by loudly slapping their tails. Reece, recounting the event, described the evening as thrilling.
Reflecting on the experience, Reece mentioned his intention to carry bear spray for future visits to Fish Creek. The Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services reported multiple sightings of the same black bear since June 16 within the park’s green spaces, particularly in areas like Marshall Springs, Votier’s Flats, and Bebo Grove. The authorities noted that the bear, likely a juvenile, hasn’t displayed aggressive or defensive behavior nor shown any interest in unnatural food sources.
According to Calgary wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan, bear sightings in and around Fish Creek are relatively common due to the area’s abundant food sources, making it an attractive habitat for bears. The city doesn’t track bear sightings directly but lists 11 neighborhoods, primarily in the southwest quadrant, known to be frequented by bears. Last year, FWES relocated two captured bears from Calgary, emphasizing the importance of being bear-aware and avoiding provoking defensive reactions from these animals.
Jordan-McLachlan advised visitors to stay on designated trails to minimize unexpected encounters with bears, emphasizing that bears are typically non-aggressive when around people. However, she cautioned against actively seeking out bears, as this could lead to potentially dangerous situations. It is essential for people to be cautious and respectful of wildlife to prevent any aggressive interactions.