Is it possible to watch bears in Kootenay National Park in winter?

My girlfriend and I are going to Canada soon. We plan to visit several good spots but Kootenay National Park is our prime target. We have never been there but heard many nice things about the beauty of the nature and wildlife. Is it possible to watch bears in Kootenay National Park in winter?

Definitely. Bears are not the only species you can see there. You can see elks, coyotes, bighorn sheep, moose, and wolves. Most of the wildlife travel and feed in valley bottoms during winter so you can even be lucky to spot them from the parkway drive. The safest place to watch wildlife is from your car.

Although you may be tempted to approach them, keep in mind that it is forbidden to feed or harass animals in a national park. If you are driving at night you have to pay special attention to avoid collisions with wild animals. Bears are fine but I wouldn’t want to see them “up close and personal”.

Don’t worry. Bear attacks are not as common as you think. Like the rest of the wild animals, bears are trying to stay away from people. This natural behavior changes only if you surprise them, especially if they are with their young or food or if you have a dog that provokes an attack. If you avoid these scenarios, you will be OK.