Where you may see them
Spring and early summer in valley bottoms; any season in bear country
Jasper Wildlife
Bears in Jasper
What to know about black bears & grizzly bears in Jasper National Park: behaviour, diet, safe viewing, and responsible photography.
Animal Guide
Black Bears & Grizzly Bears in Jasper.
This page gives visitors quick, practical information about black bears & grizzly bears and how to watch or photograph them without putting people or wildlife at risk.
Diet
Berries, roots, grasses, insects, carrion, fish when available, and other natural foods.
Safe distance
100 m minimum. Use a long lens, binoculars, or photograph the animal in its natural environment rather than moving closer.
Safety rules
- Make noise, carry bear spray, never feed, never approach, never leave food or garbage accessible, and stay in your vehicle when viewing from roads.
- Never feed, bait, call, chase, surround, or block wildlife.
- Do not stop in traffic lanes or create a wildlife jam.
- If viewing from the road, stay in your vehicle when possible and pull fully off only where safe and legal.
- Keep pets controlled and never let them approach wildlife.
- Report unsafe or aggressive encounters to Parks Canada Dispatch when appropriate.
Photo tips
- Use a telephoto lens or phone zoom from a safe distance.
- Include the landscape to show the animal’s natural environment.
- Never use food, sounds, calls, or movement to get a reaction.
- Do not put people, children, or pets in the frame close to wildlife.
- If the animal changes behaviour because of you, you are too close.
Respect wildlife: A good photo is never worth stressing an animal, risking injury, blocking roads, or breaking park rules.
Official Information
Read Parks Canada safety guidance.
Use these official links for current and detailed wildlife information.
Wildlife Safety — JasperOfficial Parks Canada Jasper wildlife safety page.
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Wildlife Watching — JasperOfficial Parks Canada wildlife viewing page.
↗Safe travel in bear countryParks Canada advice to avoid encounters and travel safely.
↗Grizzly bear conservationParks Canada information about grizzly bears in Jasper.
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