Banff National Park

Travel Guide for Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies

Menu
  • Places to Stay
    • Camping in Banff
  • Things To Do
    • Backpacking
    • Banff Wildlife
    • Biking
    • Golf Courses
    • Hiking
    • Skiing In Banff
    • Snowshoeing in Banff National Park
    • Summer Sightseeing Tours
    • White Water Rafting
    • Zipline Tours
  • Plan Your Trip
    • How To Get Here
    • Shuttle Service to Banff
    • Banff National Park of Canada Maps & Guides
    • Maps of Banff and Area
    • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Eat & Drink
  • Shopping
  • Canadian Rockies
    • Webcams in Banff
    • Real Estate in Banff
  • Contact
    • Have a Picture You Want to Share?
  • Book Hotel
Menu


Wildlife in Banff National Park

Protecting Roadside Wildlife in Banff National Park

Posted on June 23, 2014 by K. Gordon

If you’ve driven through the mountains in Banff National Park on a summer long weekend you’ve probably seen them. They’re there hanging out on the side of the road in hoards, blocking traffic, running around cars to get to the other side, eyes wide with the hope of getting close and getting that perfect shot. No, I’m not talking about elk. Rather, humans, in their RVs and cars clogging the highways and parkways in the desperate hope to capture a photo of a roadside bear or elk.

Besides being a nuisance to drivers and a safety hazard to people pulled over, these so called “bear jams” can have serious consequences for onlookers and the animals that are just going about their everyday business. Mountain highways are important pathways for all living things. Because of this, animal and human interactions are common occurrences that can sometimes lead to unpleasant consequences for both parties.



There are a few things you need to consider when you choose to get up close and personal with the wildlife in Banff National Park on the road. Remember that these are unpredictable, wild animals so an encounter with one could lead to hard consequences for both humans and the animals. Consider the safety of the people around you, yourself, and the lives of the wildlife you see. Bears that become used to human presence often cause other problems in areas of human development and if they are not able to rehabilitate these animals, they are destroyed. It’s a sad time when a beautiful bear has to be put down but unfortunately it is the reality of this area. Parks Canada has one easy rule to remember: never leave the pavement to view a roadside bear or other wildlife.

As you drive through the mountain parks this summer remember the animals and other people around you as you clamber for your photo. If you can’t get close to an animal without leaving the safety of your vehicle, think twice. Chances are there will be another one down the road. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife crossing the roads and check your speed. If you see a bear consider not stopping as this allows them the space they need to forage for the hard winter they face. Admire the wildness of our landscape and work to keep it that way. For more bear facts, see the Parks Canada website and read about their efforts on conservation and management.

Related Articles

Shop Banff

Banff Sponsors

 

Search for Banff Info

Our Banff Activity Partners

Wild Warter

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

Valley Zipline Adventures

Great Divide Nature Interpretation

WOW Banff

Golf Canada's West

The Banff Newsletter

Keep up to date on all the hotel deals, things to do, and latest news in Banff!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Banff Sponsors

 

Banff Sponsors

 

Find It Fast!

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Shuttle Service to Banff
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
  • Webcams in Banff

Follow Us

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Pinterest

Accommodations in Banff

  • Where to Stay in Banff National Park
  • Banff Bed & Breakfasts
  • Hotels in Banff
  • Banff Inns
  • Banff Lodges
  • Banff Hostels
  • Banff Campgrounds

Banff Activities

  • Things To Do in Banff
  • Zipline Tours
  • White Water Rafting in Banff
  • The Complete Guide to Wildlife Viewing in Banff National Park
  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Hiking

Plan Your Trip to Banff

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Shuttle Service to Banff
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
  • Webcams in Banff
© 2023 Banff National Park • Advertise With Us • Privacy Policy

As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we may get a commission through purchases made through our links. Please read our complete Privacy Policy for more information.

hotels

deals

shuttles

activities