🖤 Missing Hiker Found Deceased

Cougar Cover-Up, Fire Investigation, Black Bear Snack Attack

Author

Bow Valley Insider
August 12, 2024

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Big day for civic duties! Banff folks, it’s your chance to vote for or against the Pedestrian Zone today. Meanwhile, Canmore residents, it's your last call to weigh in on downtown's future—don't miss out on shaping the scene!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

  • Wildfire ignited by lightning near Carrot Creek yesterday

  • Bears close Rampart Campground to tents

  • Power has been restored in Dead Man’s Flats


    +Free taxi vouchers for seniors

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

Want to advertise to Bow Valley locals? Fill out this quick form

COUGAR CON JOB

Wildlife experts at Banff National Park faced a tough situation when a fake cougar attack story gained traction. 

What’s happening: On February 12, Spencer Weilermann from Calgary claimed he fought off a cougar near Rockbound Lake. The media picked up his story quickly, with Weilermann giving an exclusive interview to CTV on February 14, despite no evidence supporting his claim. This spread misinformation, causing public concern and confusion.

Expert Pushback: A wildlife team led by Banff National Park wildlife ecologist-veterinarian Bryan MacBeth immediately started working to debunk what they suspected was a false claim. They collected forensic samples, conducted thorough searches, and found no evidence of a cougar. Macbeth and his colleagues sent multiple emails urging Parks Canada to correct the misinformation, but it took until March 7 for an official statement to confirm no wildcat DNA was found.

Media and Messaging Issues: The park initially closed the area based on the reported attack, but the team was frustrated with the inconsistent messaging and delays in clearing up the false report. They felt the media handling was poor and that it damaged their reputation.

Added Stress: Compounding their frustration was the recent, real grizzly bear attack that had also been poorly managed in the media. The false cougar incident made the team’s job even harder and added unnecessary stress.

THE DIGEST

  • 🐻‍❄️Two months after Nakoda, the famous white grizzly, was tragically killed on the Trans-Canada Highway, Calgary artist Terri Heinrichs honors her with a portrait titled "Lost, But Not Forgotten." The artwork, commemorating Nakoda and her cubs, aims to raise awareness for wildlife conservation, with proceeds benefiting the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

  • 🏠This mountain-view townhouse at 809 Wilson Way in Canmore sold for $850,000 in June 2024. Located near Mount Lawrence Grassi, the 1,104 sq. ft. unit was attractively priced and went quickly, despite interest from around 20 agents. Featuring three bedrooms, stunning views, and an EV charger, it was a hot property that sold just 16 days after listing.

  • 🖤Kananaskis Emergency Services played a key role in the search for a missing hiker from Okotoks, who was found deceased near Nordegg. The 55-year-old man, who went missing on August 5, was located on August 9 in Coral Creek, about 12 km from his vehicle. Kananaskis teams used helicopters and volunteers in the search, and RCMP believe his death was accidental and not suspicious.

  • 🧯Fire crews extinguished a 0.17-hectare fire in Banff National Park on Sunday, less than 24 hours after it was ignited by lightning near Carrot Creek. Quick response efforts, including helicopter water drops, brought the fire under control within five hours. 

BEAR NECESSITIES

What’s happening: Last week we reported Rampart campground was closed due to bear activity. This weekend, more details came out about the incident and tips on how you can keep yourself and our wildlife safe.

Rampart Campground Closure: A black bear caused some trouble by tearing up a dining shelter in search of food. Because of this, Rampart Campground is closed to tents and tent-trailers until further notice. Only hard-sided trailers are allowed for now.

Bear Behavior: The bear involved was seen looking for easy snacks, and there were scent attractants in the shelter. Parks Canada is still monitoring the situation and may take further wildlife management actions like hazing or trapping.

Food Safety: To prevent attracting bears, make sure not to leave coolers, food, or garbage unattended at your campsite. Always use wildlife-proof garbage bins or take your trash with you.

Other Bear Warnings: There are also bear warnings for the Many Springs Trail and YMCA Camp Chief Hector areas due to numerous bear sightings. Be cautious by making noise, traveling in groups, keeping pets on leashes, and carrying bear spray. Report any bear sightings to 403-591-7755.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

  • Free trail biking event! Banff Settlement Services is hosting an introductory biking event on August 12 and September 16, 1:30- 4:30 PM. Equipment provided. Nordic Centre, Canmore. Registration required.

  • 50% off sushi! Missing this daily 4-5 PM sushi deal at Hello Sunshine would be very un-fish-ionable. Hello Sunshine, Banff.

  • Chill out with summer yoga. Canmore Young Adult Network hosts a yoga session in the park August 12, 7- 8 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. By donation. Registration required.

Tuesday

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

CIVIC NEWS

  • Today is the day to vote on whether Banff Avenue should become a pedestrian zone every summer. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Voting is open 10 AM- 8 PM at Banff Town Hall, 110 Bear Street, Council Chamber

    • The question on the ballot will read: Do you support having a downtown pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue from May Long Weekend to Thanksgiving?

    • To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, and a Banff resident. Bring one piece of photo ID or proof of residence. If you don’t have ID, you can be vouched for by a registered voter.

LIVE MUSIC

  • Monday, August 12, 10 PM: Sing your heart out at karaoke night. Location: Drake Pub, Canmore.

  • Tuesday, August 13, 8 AM and 8 PM: Check out Dawn Chorus, Evensong (Bow River Valley), a newly commissioned audio-based work with accompanying visual scores by Canadian artist Lou Sheppard. Location: Shaw Amphitheatre, Banff Centre, Banff.

SPORTS

That’s all, folks!

  • Have a cool story or event to share? Hit reply. 

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, same time, same place! 

Share & Earn Rewards🎁 

You can get free stuff for referring friends to our newsletter ⬇️ 

  • 2 referrals: Birthday shout-out in the newsletter

  • 10 referrals: Cool new coffee mug

  • 25 referrals: Large tote bag filled with mystery goodies

  • 50 referrals: Gift card for dinner at your favorite restaurant

You currently have 0 referrals, only 2 away from receiving Shout-Out In The Next Newsletter.

Reply

or to participate.