Conseils essentiels pour observer les ours à Lake Louise : ce que vous devez savoir
Bear sighting in Lake Louise is an experience you don't want to miss. It's always thrilling to spot a bear in its natural habitat doing bear things.
But remember, getting too close is risky for both you and the bears. You need to know how to stay safe while enjoying this adventure.
That's why the Télécabine touristique de Lake Louise is the best way to go. From the comfort and safety of the gondola, you can enjoy incredible views and watch bears from a safe distance.
In this blog, we will share some essential tips to make your bear sighting both exciting and safe.
Tips for Safe Roadside Bear Viewing
You can see both black bears and grizzly bears in Lake Louise. The best months for sightings are from early April to November.
It can be tempting to watch bears up close from your car. But before you hit the road, take a moment to read these tips.
What to Bring:
- Binoculars
- Camera (with a zoom lens)
- Map of the Area
- Vaporisateur d'ours
If you decide to stay on the road:
- If you want to stop and watch, keep a minimum of 10 bus lengths (100 meters) away from bears and other wildlife such as cougars, coyotes, and wolves.
- Stay inside your car. Exiting your vehicle can be dangerous for both you and the bear.
- Make sure you're not obstructing a bear's pathway.
- Keep your vehicle quiet to avoid scaring them off or causing a dangerous reaction.
- Keep windows rolled up.
- If you're taking photos, don't crowd or follow the animal. Just watch for a bit, snap a quick pic, and move on.
If you're taking photos:
- Stay inside your vehicle. Stepping outside to get a better shot can be risky.
- Don't crowd or follow the animal. Just watch for a bit, snap a quick pic, and move on.
- A good zoom lens lets you capture close-up shots without getting physically close to the bear.
- Flash photography can startle bears, leading to unpredictable behaviour.
- Recreational drone use is prohibited (Commercial drones need permits)
If you have kids with you:
- Don't let your kids hang out of windows.
- Keep child locks engaged.
- Ensure children know to stay quiet and calm, as loud noises can scare or agitate bears.
If you're stuck in a traffic jam:
- Drive by slowly instead of stopping to minimize your impact on a roadside bear.
- Sight lines are often blocked by improperly parked cars, so take it slow and stay alert.
- Warn other motorists by flashing your hazard lights.
- Look out for distracted drivers, people crossing the highway, or a bear darting out before you.
Read more: Best Spots to See Bears Safely in Lake Louise.
How to Avoid Bear Encounters: Best Practices for Safety
You can minimize the chances of a close encounter with a bear by following these tips:
- Make Noise: Bears usually avoid humans if they hear them coming. Clap, talk, or sing to let bears know you're around.
- Keep Dogs on Leash: Unleashed dogs can provoke bears. Keeping them leashed helps protect both you and your pet.
- Stay on Marked Trails: This reduces the chance of surprising a bear. Bears are less likely to be on well-used paths.
- Travel in Groups: Groups are noisier and more intimidating to bears. Plus, there's safety in numbers.
- Avoid Large Dead Animals: If you encounter a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it to park staff.
- Store Food Properly: Use bear-proof containers or hang food high in a tree. Never leave food unattended.
How to Handle a Bear Confrontation: Do's and Don'ts
It's tough to predict the best strategy if you ever face a wild bear. That's why it's so crucial to focus on avoiding an encounter in the first place.
But if you do find yourself in that situation, here are some tips to help you handle it.
Keep Yourself Calm
Bears are usually just curious creatures. If you see one standing on its hind legs, it's probably just trying to catch your scent. This isn't necessarily a sign of aggression.
Running might seem like a good idea, but it can actually trigger a chase response. Bears can outrun you without breaking a sweat. So, take a deep breath and keep your cool.
If you have kids with you, pick them up to prevent them from panicking or running.
Use Your Bear Spray
Bear spray should be your last resort, but it's a must-have when you're in the Banff National Park. It can be really effective if a bear gets too close. Just make sure you know how to use it.
Keep it handy and get familiar with how it works. Lake Louise Ski Resort has a Programme de sensibilisation aux ours where you can learn how to use bear spray properly. It's a great way to feel more confident and safe during your visit.
Back Away Slowly
If you spot a bear in your path, the best thing to do is make a wide detour. Give the bear plenty of space to avoid making it feel threatened. Slowly begin to back away, talking in a soft, calm voice. Staying in a group can also be reassuring and make you appear larger to the bear.
Avoid direct eye contact because bears can see that as a challenge. Instead, look at the bear's forehead or shoulder. It shows the bear that you're not a threat, giving it the chance to move away on its own.
Do NOT Drop Objects
When you encounter a bear, it might seem like a good idea to drop objects to distract it, but this can actually make the situation worse. Bears are curious and may come closer to investigate what you dropped.
Also, never feed the bears. If a bear receives food, it gets rewarded for its aggressive behaviour, making it more likely to approach humans in the future.
Keep your snacks to yourself, and make sure to pack out all your trash for bear safety.
Conclusion
Give bears the space they need to live! Respecting their habitat keeps both you and the bears safe. And hey, even if you don't get to see a bear, your trip to Lake Louise will still be amazing.
While you're in Lake Louise, participate in the Programme de sensibilisation aux ours. It's fun and informative, and it will teach you how to stay safe and respect these magnificent creatures.
Don't forget to check out the Centre d'interprétation de la faune. It's just a 5-10 minute walk from the top of the Lake Louise Gondola. Inside, you'll find life-sized displays of many local animals, including bears.