A remarkable sighting of a family of grizzly bears along Highway 742, also known as the Smith-Dorrien Trail, left two Calgarians in awe on May 7. Mujtaba Khawaja and his friend Rocco Rennie were en route to hike in Kananaskis Country when they stumbled upon the bear family strolling along the roadside. The encounter not only provided a memorable experience for the duo but also sparked discussions about wildlife interactions in Alberta.
A Close Encounter with Nature
While driving, Khawaja and Rennie noticed four bears moving together near the edge of the road. Their immediate reaction was to stop and capture the moment on film. “It was a really cool moment — they walked past our car and went behind it while we continued filming,” Khawaja recounted. The bears exhibited a sense of curiosity, adding to the excitement of the encounter.
What stood out most was one of the cubs, which momentarily stood on its hind legs and walked a short distance before returning to all fours. “It was very human-like. That took us by surprise, and we were just laughing,” Khawaja shared, highlighting the uniqueness of the experience.
A Second Encounter
After their initial encounter, the pair continued to their hiking destination, unaware they would soon see the bears again. Following a five-hour hike, they spotted the same family, this time being escorted by conservation officers. “We saw them twice in the same day,” Khawaja said, expressing his amazement at the rare repeat sighting. The video captured during the second encounter shows the bears making their way past the vehicle, with a pickup truck from Alberta Parks trailing closely behind.
Conservation Efforts in Action
The Department of Forestry and Parks in Alberta confirmed that they are well-acquainted with the bear family observed by Khawaja and Rennie. In an official communication, the department noted that the bears are commonly seen in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and that conservation officers regularly accompany them along roads to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. “This helps alert drivers to wildlife on the road and allows staff to monitor the bear’s activity,” the department explained.
Despite some online viewers suggesting the video appeared to be artificially generated, Khawaja expressed his frustration with the claims. “I got kind of defensive… most people believe it to be real bear footage,” he stated, underscoring the authenticity of the encounter.
Why it Matters
This captivating encounter illustrates the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife in Alberta’s stunning landscapes. As urban development encroaches on natural habitats, sightings like these remind us of the importance of conservation efforts and responsible wildlife management. They serve as a call to action for both visitors and authorities to ensure that such beautiful creatures can thrive in their natural environments while still allowing people to safely enjoy the breathtaking wilderness of Western Canada.
