Strong and agile, they will defend themselves, their young and their territory if they feel threatened. Knowledge and alertness can help you avoid a dangerous encounter with a bear. All bears are potentially dangerous. They are unpredictable and can inflict serious injury. Black bears can be found in most of Canada's national parks but grizzly bears are found only in western and northern national parks.
Black bears adapt readily to areas occupied by humans and are seen more frequently than grizzlies.
Grizzly bears are most often found in the high country in the late summer and early fall, while in the spring and late fall, they inhabit valley bottoms. The promise of easily obtained food may also lure grizzly bears into human environments. Keep your campsite clean and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils around. Several campgrounds have bear poles or steel food caches. Some bears learn to associate food and garbage with humans and soon lose their fear of them.