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April 1, 2026 - Bears are Back

First reported bear sightings of the season.

The Mountain View BearSmart Society (MVBS) has reported the first bear sightings of the season — an indicator the winter's grip is loosening, and a reminder that we share this land with local wildlife. 

The MVBS is a “community based group of volunteers who work in conjunction with Alberta Environment & Protected Areas, Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Mountain View County, and Clearwater County to minimize the potential conflict between humans, bears and other wildlife”. 

From March/April to October/November, the months when bears are active outside of their winter dens, MVBS provides weekly bear and cougar sightings.

In addition to several cougar sightings already reported this year in partnering municipalities, both grizzly bears and black bears have been spotted within Clearwater County. 

When bears emerge from several months of hibernation, they are hungry and looking to regain lost weight with high energy food. If natural sources are scarce, bears will travel long distances in search of alternate food sources.

With their keen sense of smell, bears are easily attracted to human food and garbage, livestock feed, and even deadstock. With calving season in full swing for many producers, special consideration may be needed when dealing with deadstock as bears are opportunistic hunters and feeders.

Bears will often return to a site where they recall food being easily available, so it is important to adopt BearSmart best management practices to avoid future confrontations. Some of these practices include storing garbage in bear-proof containers or in a garage or sturdy shed, to responsibly dispose of deadstock, to ensure granaries are secure, and to consider electric fencing around gardens, composting areas, and small animal enclosures. For more tips on how to mitigate bear activity on your property, visit the Mountain View BearSmart Society website.

As was expressed in the most recent activity report by MVBS, “for everybody that lives, works, and/or recreates in our counties: don’t leave anything outside that might attract a hungry bear - be extra alert when outdoors – carry your bear spray.”

If the presence of a bear or other wildlife is a safety concern, contact the Rocky Mountain House Fish and Wildlife office at 403-845-8230 or, call 310-000 to find the nearest Fish and Wildlife office. After business hours, call the 24 hour toll-free Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. If the situation is a public safety emergency, call 9-1-1. 

To report a sighting, email the Mountain View BearSmart Society at sightings@mountainviewbearsmart.com. Generalized details of the sighting will be posted on the website and included in the weekly bear activity report. This information can also be accessed through Clearwater County’s website on the Wildlife page. 

To learn more about the Mountain View BearSmart Society and the Be Bear Aware campaign, please visit www.mountainviewbearsmart.com.