protect the carcass . Watch for magpies , crows , or ravens that might be scavenging a carcass .
Or you might find yourself between a sow grizzly and her cubs in which case the sow will likely attack you to protect her offspring . There are rare cases such as one involving a hunter who was attacked by a predatory grizzly last year in a remote area near Sundre , Alberta . Black bears have also been known to prey on people because often these animals are emaciated and in poor health .
Black bears are notorious for scavenging for food in and around campsites , so it ’ s important to keep food in a secure location . You should never cook in your tent or have any food in it .
Notwithstanding , I ’ ve spent a lifetime in the outdoors , not just in Alberta but throughout Canada , and I ’ ve never had a
Boulder turned over by bear foraging for insect grubs Photo : Duane Radford
bad experience with a bear — just some close calls .
Bear Sign Bears will travel across country over open ground , but where there ’ s bush they will usually follow game trails . Look for bear scats , which can be distinguished from other carnivore droppings by their sheer size . In the late summer and autumn , bear feces usually have berries in them . If the scats look fresh , be on alert that a bear is nearby .
Black bears will tear up fallen logs and tree stumps in search of insect larvae and turn over boulders and rocks for the same purpose . Grizzlies will dig up ground squirrels ’ burrows , and these diggings are plainly visible . Grizzlies also like to eat the roots of Hedysarum , also known as alpine sweet vetch .
Watch for bear tracks beside streams and on game trails . Always look ahead in your travels ; try to spot bears before they spot you , so you don ’ t surprise them . If you do see a bear , don ’ t approach it : give it a wide berth .
Precautions It ’ s a good idea to travel in a group if you are hiking in bear country . Make noise to alert bears of your presence . Whenever you ’ re in an area where sight lines are obstructed , shout “ Yo , bear !” to alert bears you are nearby . Because their sound doesn ’ t carry far , bear bells are of little value .
Deterrents I carry bear bangers with a pull-type launcher as a deterrent when I ’ m in bear country . They make a loud sound when fired
news & views AUTUMN 2018 | 51