Bear safety tips from Alberta Parks

With temperatures in southern Alberta hitting the mid-20s, families are no doubt planning to hit the trails this weekend.

But they won't be the only ones out there.

Grizzly and black bears throughout the province are waking up to the sounds of spring, and Alberta Parks is seeing more human-bear encounters than usual. 

If you're planning to get out there, here's what you need to know to stay safe: 

1. Make a lot of noise

Your chances of staying safe are a lot higher if you don't see a bear to begin with.

To reduce the chances of a surprise encounter, make as much noise as you can on the trails, said Daniella Rubeling with Alberta Environment and Parks. 

Rubeling said bear bells typically aren't loud enough, and she recommends bringing a whistle, or just your loudest voice.

"Shout like a crazy person," she offered.

2. Act non-threatening

Regardless of what type of bear you encounter, be it grizzly or black, Rubeling advises you to take the same approach.

"If you do happen to surprise a bear or run into a bear, leave them and give them their space," she said.

Back away slowly, head out the way you came, keep your eye on the bear but avoid direct eye contact, she advised.

Do not make any sudden movements which could provoke the bear, and do not run away, she said.

3. Leash your pets

If you're travelling with a dog, make sure you keep it on a leash, as required by law.

"Then it allows you to have control of your dog and take your dog with you, because again, we don't want to have the bears feel threatened."

4. Pack bear spray

You can take the precaution of packing bear spray, but use it only as a last resort, Rubeling said.

"If for whatever reason, the bear isn't leaving the area and you're feeling threatened, you can pull out the bear spray."

You can learn the most effective ways to use it at the annual Kananaskis Bear Day on Saturday at the Canmore Nordic Centre, hosted by Alberta Parks and WildSmart.