Wildlife enthusiast Mike Reece had an unexpected encounter with a black bear during a photography outing at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. Reece was surprised to find himself face-to-face with the bear just four feet away, as it peered at him curiously. Typically, Reece would yell at black bears to scare them off, but this time, the bear swiftly retreated towards the river.
To avoid another encounter, Reece promptly turned back, only to come across the bear again near a beaver dam. The bear was seen climbing logs and feeding on cattails, while nearby beavers reacted by aggressively slapping their tails. Reece described the experience as thrilling and has decided to carry bear spray during future visits to the park.
Authorities confirmed that the black bear is likely a juvenile, as multiple sightings have been reported in the park since the initial encounter. Although there have been no reports of aggressive behavior from the bear, caution is advised when in its vicinity. The park, known for its diverse wildlife, including bears, cougars, coyotes, and moose, is a common habitat for these animals due to its abundant food sources.
Calgary’s wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan explained that bear sightings in and around Fish Creek are not uncommon due to the park’s rich ecosystem. The city does not track bear sightings directly but acknowledges that several neighborhoods in the southwest quadrant are frequented by bears. In the past, FWES has relocated captured bears to ensure public safety.
Despite the bear’s non-aggressive nature, Jordan-McLachlan emphasized the importance of being bear-aware and avoiding provoking defensive reactions. Encountering a bear while hiking is a possibility, and staying on designated trails can help prevent surprise encounters. Seeking out bears is discouraged, as it could lead to the animal feeling threatened and potentially escalating the situation.