Threat Down

In some parts of Canada, driving on the highway requires a pair of eyes on the road, and another pair on the lookout for large animals. Night driving is definitely a bad idea.

The Mountain Guide published by Parks Canada contains a lot of information on why it is important to maintain distance from the local wildlife. Unfortunately, many of them have become habituated to human contact, and come right up to you.

#6 - Squirrels (Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park)

#5 - Gophers (Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park)

#4 - Beavers (Moraine Lake, Banff National Park)

#3 - Geese (Bowen Island, BC)

Don't let their cuteness fool you

#2 - Deer (Grand Drive, Camrose, AB)

Right next to the road (Banff National Park)

Right next to a house (Bowen Island, BC)

#1 - Bears! (Glacier National Park)

The Mountain Guide also describes how to avoid bear encounters, and what to do if that fails. In the rare case of an actual physical attack, the general rule is to play dead, unless the bear displays predatory or aggressive behaviour, or the attack lasts longer than two minutes. In that case, it's time to flee or fight back hard.

It's Big!