SERVICES
Bear Den Sweeps
What is a Bear Den Sweep?
A bear den sweep is a field survey completed by a qualified wildlife biologist or technician with the purpose of identifying active bear dens that might interact with project development.
Grizzly bears are listed as a Species of Special Concern in Canada but have no federal protections under the Species at Risk Act.
Our wildlife biologists support the safeguarding of this species by identifying bear dens that intersect proposed project footprints. If we find a den, we guide our clients on how best to avoid disturbing the den while proceeding with their project work.
What is a Bear Den?
A den is a simple dirt hole that the bear digs out, often under a fallen tree, large rock, hillside, or overhanging bank. A spot likely to get covered by snow is optimal, as snow helps to insulate the den from the freezing air temperature.
Why is a Bear Den Sweep Necessary?
Most often, proponents are required to demonstrate due diligence with regulations that apply to their project. A physical search for bear dens is the industry standard in preventing unlawful damage to bears as a result of project development.
In Alberta, bear den sweeps include a 100-meter buffer and are required on crown land to comply with regulatory conditions of Public Lands Act administered by the AER or EPA.
Aside from the government mandated requirement to protect bears and their dens, accidental disruption to bears in hibernations can mean death for the bear, and irreparable damage to the reputation of the company doing the work.
Black Bears are more common and widespread than Grizzly Bears. You can run into a Black Bear almost anywhere - from busy trails, to roadsides, to residential backyards. Of course, their natural habitat is in the forest.
Black Bear dens are protected wildlife features, and a bear den sweep is the best way to discover and protect denning bears from unlawful damage.
Want to learn more about black bears in Alberta? Check out this article by Nick Carter published in Spring 2024 by Nature Alberta Magazine!
Click HERE to read Alberta’s Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan
Stay Safe Out There - Be Bear Aware.