Wildlife enthusiast Mike Reece had an unexpected encounter at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. While searching for owls, he came face-to-face with a black bear mere feet away. Reece attempted to startle the bear as he had done in the past with other bears, but this one quickly fled towards the river.
To avoid another encounter, Reece turned back only to spot the bear again near a beaver dam. The bear was seen climbing logs and foraging for food, causing a commotion among the local beavers unfamiliar with its presence.
Following the incident, Reece expressed his intention to carry bear spray when visiting Fish Creek in the future. Wildlife officials confirmed that the bear is likely a juvenile and has been sighted multiple times in the park since June 16.
Calgary’s Fish Creek area is known for frequent bear sightings due to its rich wildlife habitat. The city does not actively monitor bear activity but acknowledges that several neighborhoods in the southwest quadrant, like Oakridge and Discovery Ridge, are bear-prone. Last year, two bears captured in Calgary were relocated by the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services.
Experts advise caution when encountering bears in the wild. While most bears are non-aggressive, it is essential for people to remain bear-aware and refrain from seeking out these animals to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
