Mt Fernie Provincial Park remains closed until further notice, possibly until October 14th due to an unfortunate bear incident. A grizzly sow was shot and injured in self-defence by a hiker. The injured grizzly and her cubs have not been found yet and there is a moose carcass in the area. Access to the park is closed on the ski hill side of Lizard Creek (Gorby Trail network).

Bears sightings have also been reported at the Fernie Mobile Home Park, James White Park, Ridgemont Avenue, Mt Proctor and 5th street.

What to do if you see a Bear
If It Does Not Approach
– If spotted in the distance, do not approach the bear. Make a wide detour or leave the area immediately. Report your sighting to Park Staff at the first opportunity.
– If you are at close range, do not approach the bear. Remain calm, keep it in view. Avoid direct eye contact. Move away without running. Report the sighting to Park Staff.

If the Bear Approaches
– If the bear is standing up, it is usually trying to identify you. Talk softly so it knows what you are. If it is snapping its jaws, lowering its head, flattening its ears, growling or making ‘woofing’ signs, it is displaying aggression.
– Do not run unless you are very close to a secure place. Move away, keeping it in view. Avoid direct eye contact. Dropping your pack or an object may distract it to give you more time. If it is a grizzly, consider climbing a tree.

What to do if a Bear Attacks
– Your response depends on the species and whether the bear is being defensive or offensive. Bears sometimes bluff their way out of a confrontation by charging then turning away at the last moment. Generally, the response is to do nothing to threaten or further arouse the bear. While fighting back usually increases the intensity of an attack, it may cause the bear to leave.
– Every encounter is unique and the following are offered as guidelines only to deal with an unpredictable animal and potentially complex situations.

Grizzly Attacks From Surprise (defensive)
– Do nothing to threaten or further arouse the bear.
– Play dead. Assume the ‘cannonball position’ with hands clasped behind neck and face buried in knees.
– Do not move until the bear leaves the area. Such attacks seldom last beyond a few minutes.

Black Bear Attacks From Surprise (defensive)
– Playing dead is not appropriate. Try to retreat from the attack.
– Grizzly or Black Bear Attacks Offensively (including stalking you or when you are sleeping)
– Do not play dead. Try to escape to a secure place (car or building) or climb a tree unless it is a black bear. If you have no other option, try to intimidate the bear with deterrents or weapons such as tree branches or rocks.

Grizzly or Black Bear Attacking For Your Food
– Abandon the food. Leave the area.
– Do not deal with a problem bear unless it is an emergency.