This release was issued under a previous government.

Bear Day 2014 - photo credit Steve Baylin (19)

Conservation Officer demonstrates proper technique for using bear spray at Bear Day 2014 in Canmore.

An interactive, family-friendly day of activity on April 11 at the Canmore Civic Centre, Bear Day events focus on techniques for staying safe in bear country, and learning about the challenges faced by bears in the wild.

The grizzly bear population was estimated at less than 700 in Alberta in 2010, and grizzlies are designated as a threatened species in the province. Bear Day participants will learn about current research into bear habitat management, and reducing conflict with bears while enjoying the outdoors.

The day includes a scavenger hunt, a bear trapping demonstration, hands-on bear spray technique, wildlife displays, bear research talks, and the opportunity to meet some Karelian bear dogs, used for bear aversion conditioning in Kananaskis.

Bear Day

Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free

Canmore Civic Centre

902 – 7 Avenue, Canmore AB

10 a.m.           Bear safety talk

Activities

11 a.m.           Bear spray demonstration

Noon               Official welcome

12:15 p.m.      Bear trapping demonstration

1 p.m.             Teaching bears to be safe

2 p.m.             Grizzly bear research in Kananaskis Country