Bringing Nature Closer When You Can't Go Far
Are you finding the restrictions around staying close to home difficult? In this presentation, I examine ways we can all use this time to develop new skills so that when we can finally go out and explore, we'll do so with a new vision of our mountain landscape. It's a call to action for lovers of nature and culture to take control of our experience and use it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and become more knowledgeable so that when we can explore the wider mountain landscape - we're ready. Interpretive Guides Association Hike Alberta
A bubbaloberry primer
Just when I thought I was done scripting my most recent episode of the Mountain Nature and Culture Podcast, conservation officers closed a large part of Canmore due to numerous bears feeding on buffaloberries in the area. This is only the first of numerous closures that are likely to occur over the next 6-8 weeks.
Buffaloberries are primarily found in the low valleys of the Montane and Canmore and Banff occupy much of the available habitat. Why are the bears always in town this time of year...it's because they have little choice. Buffaloberries can only grow in the low elevation Montane habitat.
The Montane, well it only accounts for around 4% of the mountain landscape and people have impacted 80% of that. For you and I, that means the best habitat is already full of people - in townsites.
Here are a few quick tips on bear safety during berry season.
Bears feeding on buffaloberry go through a hormonal change called hyperphagia. It’s basically a hormonal imperative to binge. Essentially, they’re stoned so they’re not the vigilant animal that we’re used to encountering.
As a result, we need to be extra vigilant because the bear isn't paying attention. If you’re jogging with earbuds or riding fast and quiet, it’s very easy to have an unwanted close encounter at this time of year. Slow down and pay attention.
Sometimes the best way to spot a feeding bear is to NOT look for the bear, rather look for a bush that's moving when none of the others are.
Remember that there are still hundreds of open trails in the area. Just think higher in elevation! When the bears head to the valley, you head to the higher elevation trails like Ha Ling, Lady Macdonald, Heart Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, Edith and Cory Pass. It doesn’t mean that you won’t encounter a bear, but you can dramatically shift the odds in your favour by moving into areas they are less likely to be currently frequenting.
Make sure your bear spray is on your body and that you know how to use it. If it’s on your bi
