Wildlife enthusiast Mike Reece had an unexpected encounter at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. While initially searching for owls, Reece stumbled upon a black bear just a few feet away. Surprised by the close proximity, Reece attempted to scare off the bear, but it quickly dashed towards the river.
Wary of another encounter, Reece turned around only to come face-to-face with the bear again near a beaver dam. The bear was seen climbing logs and foraging for food, causing a commotion with the resident beavers.
Reflecting on the experience, Reece mentioned he would now carry bear spray during his visits to the park. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services revealed that several sightings of the same juvenile black bear had been reported in the area since the incident.
According to wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan, bear sightings in and around Fish Creek are not uncommon due to the abundant food sources available in the area. The park serves as a wildlife corridor attracting various animals, including bears.
While the bear has not displayed aggressive behavior, authorities advise caution and recommend staying on designated trails to avoid surprising the bear. Jordan-McLachlan emphasized the importance of not seeking out the bear to prevent any potential confrontations.