When you step onto the trails to recreate here in Fernie, you are playing in the home of bears, elk, deer, cougars and moose. These animals rely on the same forests, mountains, and valleys that we ride, hike, walk, and run through.
With the support from TC Energy, Y2Y and Dr. Clayton Lamb the FTA were able to continue the ongoing Wildlife Recreation Study in the Provincial Park and Crown land, we are learning just how much of our trail network overlaps with their daily movements and how we can use the forest in harmony.
When are the animals using the Trails?
Dawn and dusk are the most likely times for wildlife encounters, leading to stress on the animals and risks for people. For the safety of both wildlife and trail users, please be aware of best practices and use trails during daylight hours.
Where are Grizzly Bears?
The image below shows GPS data collected from ~20 collared grizzlies, with a location point taken every 2 hours. Each pink dot is a location, and the yellow lines show the location sequence.
As you can see, most of the trail network is used by grizzly bears. We encourage all trail users to make noise OFTEN.
How Can You Reduce Conflict?
Prioritize using the trails 9am – 7pm during summer months. Avoid dawn and dusk.
Animals are everywhere in Fernie. Make noise often.
Stash your trash and store your snacks properly. Never feed wildlife.
“The animals within the Fernie trail network are often avoiding human recreation at some scale, likely to reduce any negative effects on themselves, so seeing as the animals are doing what they can to coexist with recreation, it’s important for recreationists to do what they can to coexist with wildlife.” -Dr. Clayton Lamb.
