Sara Parsons

17/08/2024

“bUt It’S bIoDeGrAdAbLe!”

Wildlife will eat anything they can get their paws, hooves or jaws on, and will do so faster than nature can break it down. Apple cores, sunflower seeds and watermelon rinds aren’t ok to leave on the ground.

. Pack out everything you bring. It is your responsibility that trash makes it to a bear-proof garbage bin.

If a bin is full, find another one and let a Parks Canada staff member know.

Besides its unsightly appearance, food and garbage pose threats to wildlife, people and pets. When wildlife associate us with food, they may become bold and aggressive.

We all have a part to play to keep this place litter-free. Learn more about what you can do: parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/visit/regles-rules/ordures-garbage

13/08/2024

I may not have my Newfie accent anymore, but this beautiful piece of Canada will always feel like home to me ❤️

Let’s get to know each other - where did you grow up? Did you move around like me or were you born and raised in the same place? 🏠

My story is all over the place. I was born in Newfoundland but moved to Sherwood Park, Alberta at a young age. We bopped around many different houses before moving to Fort McMurray 🤢 for 2 years. When I was in the middle of grade 4, my family moved back to Newfoundland (thank god) and that’s where we stayed until I graduated high school. Although I spent half my childhood in Alberta and half in NL, I definitely feel like NL was where I grew up.

After high school I moved to Edmonton, where I went to university. 8 years in Edmonton was enough for me, so I moved to Kananaskis, and now Canmore. ⛰️ I have lost track of the number of houses I’ve lived in, but it’s definitely over 25. And now that I have a say in the matter, I don’t ever want to move again. 😅

When people ask me where I’m from, I usually say Newfoundland - but I truly don’t know how to answer that question at this point 🤪

*These photos are from our trip last summer. took the puffin photo!

08/08/2024

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 keep your dog on a leash when visiting the parks!

Leashes save lives. Off-leash dogs may harass wildlife and trigger aggressive behaviour in bears, coyotes, cougars and elk. A dog running loose may bring back an agitated wild animal to the dog owner or other people.

Wildlife made aggressive by a roaming dog may have to be relocated away from its home or euthanized. Please do your part to protect wildlife, your pet and yourself by leashing your dog at all times.

01/08/2024

The gradual progression of out-of-this-world views of Cirque Peak.

This was the most challenging and rewarding hike I’ve done to date. The challenging part for me was the length & elevation gain at the end - there’s nothing really technical about the hike except for at the very tippy top there’s a small scramble section.

This hike is located on the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. I recorded 17.6km with 1,130m elevation gain. Every kilometre of this hike offers a unique and mind-blowing view. I highly recommend this one if you’re prepared for a long day! It took me 9 hours including tons of breaks, plus I tend to take my time. ☺️

Photo descriptions:
1. Views of the Crowfoot Glacier around 1-2km
2. The trees open up around 3km to expansive views looking south. You can see the highway in the distance.
3. Helen Lake in all her beauty around the 4-5km mark. If you decide to only go to Helen Lake and turn around, it’s so worth it to make your way up behind the lake for this view.
4. From about the same spot, looking up at Cirque Peak and all its pretty purple layers. …Mentally preparing myself for another ~500m elevation. Basically a second hike from here 😂
5. Heading up Cirque Peak looking south.
6. Views from the top of Cirque Peak. Looking at Dolomite Peak and the incredible and colourful landscape below. Katherine Lake is just below Dolomite Peak.
7. Looking at the trail we came from, with Helen Lake on the right side.
8. Looking west at Bow Lake & Iceberg Lake above it. Bow Glacier can be seen here which is part of the Wapta Icefield. This is the source of the Bow River that flows through Banff, Canmore, Calgary & beyond! 🤩 There’s 360 views from up here.

Please respect signage and stay on the designated trail. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Keep dogs on leash as this is a national park and it’s the law! As always, leave no trace.

Let me know if you have any questions about this hike! ⛰️

31/07/2024

30/07/2024

Bear Misconceptions… (Part 5 of many)

“Black bears are big harmless teddy bears.”

This one’s a tough one to write but it needs to be said because there’s a lot of bad advice given on social media. All too often, you see people get on their favorite Smoky Mountain or Hiking Facebook forum and ask if they should be worried about black bears if they go hiking in the Smokies. Many times they ask if they should carry bear spray.

Before anyone can blink an eye, someone has already posted, “There’s nothing to worry about” or “No, you don’t need to carry bear spray,” because after all, “Black bears are harmless, they are like big fluffy teddy bears.”

Here’s the scoop… black bears don’t need to be feared, but they DO need to be respected.

Although it’s rare, black bears can, and occasionally do, cause great bodily harm, and unfortunately have killed lots of people. In fact, since the early 1900s, when it comes to documented fatalities by bears in North America, 45% of the human fatalities are attributed to black bears, while brown bears (also known as grizzlies) account for the remaining 55%. These numbers exclude fatalities from polar bears (much smaller number).

Does this mean black bears are just as dangerous as grizzlies?

No, not at all. Since black bears are considerably smaller than their bigger and often grumpier cousin, they usually back down when they encounter a human… but not always. This is why it’s so very important to be able to read and understand bear behavior.

Also, considering there are ten times more black bears in North America than there are brown bears (grizzlies), it’s safe to say that black bears are typically much safer to bump into than a grizzly. In other words, number-wise, if they were just as dangerous as a grizzly there would likely be ten times more fatalities… but there’s not.

Black bears are beautiful, powerful, awe-inspiring, lovable, and most of all WILD animals. They will almost always run from you but black bears demand our respect, so please give it at all times. And YES, if you feel more comfortable caring bear spray, then by all means please do it!

And here’s to hoping you see a bear!

Note: I have been a bear biologist throughout most of my 25-year career. Why did I take this angle and not take a softer approach and talk about how black bears are not as dangerous as grizzlies? Easy… all you have to do is look at social media. There are simply way too many people that try getting too close to black bears when they see them, many people jump out of their car and start chasing them down , some even go so far as to try to hand feed them. Clearing up some of the misinformation about black bears, even if it comes off as harsh, can only help to protect the animals we all adore.

29/07/2024

Planning a big adventure into the great outdoors? 🌲🌳 Don't forget the essentials like bear spray, extra clothing and a first aid kit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For more information on hiking safety, visit albertaparks.ca/outdoorsafety

26/07/2024

JASPER 💔

I know Jasper National Park isn’t gone, but it will never be the same. I am heartbroken, like many others, for the devastating wildfire that ripped through Jasper National Park and the Jasper townsite over the last couple of days.

I’m thinking about those who lost their homes (people and wildlife), those who lost their businesses, the first responders, all the tourists whose vacations of a lifetime were cancelled, and just the overall loss of so much in such a short time.

Jasper is the place that Jordan and I’s relationship started back in 2018. He was living in Jasper at the time and I came out to do a hike with him (the last photo is of this hike, Sulphur Skyline, our first photo & hike together). Throughout the last 6 years, we’ve made many trips out to Jasper to visit friends and to enjoy the beauty of the area. Jasper holds a special place in my heart, as it does for many.

I know Jasper will rebuild and we will visit again someday. But I don’t know if I will ever be prepared to see the new landscape that we have been left with. 😢

25/07/2024

Devastating images out of Jasper. My heart is broken 💔

23/07/2024

I can’t believe people are doing this. Imagine if they couldn’t get it under control as fast as they did. A very close call.

On Sunday, July 21 around 9am, Parks Canada fire crews responded to a report of a small wildfire in Banff National Park, near the Johnson Lake Day-Use Area. This fire is believed to have been caused by an illegal campfire started along Johnson Lake Trail. Luckily, the fire was reported early in the morning and our fire crew members were able to action quickly and extinguish the fire before it spread out of control.

❗️ This is a very serious reminder to locals and visitors that having a fire during a fire ban is not only illegal (you will face a fine of up to $25,000) but you are putting people and the national park at risk.

Remember: Friends don’t let friends start illegal campfires. 🔥 Human-caused wildfires are 100% avoidable. You don’t want to be the reason a serious wildfire is started; respect the current fire ban and keep our first responders and communities safe. If you see someone having a campfire anywhere in Banff National Park during a fire ban, report it immediately to Banff Dispatch (403) 762-1470.

☀️ Sunny weather and dry temperatures are expected to keep the fire danger rating extreme through the week. Wildfires can start easily under these conditions, and we all have a role to play to avoid human-caused wildfires. For more information: https://ow.ly/lXvw50SHHN5

16/07/2024

🐻

Update on the grizzly bear hunt in Alberta situation and how you can help!

13/07/2024

Some of my fave shots from our recent biking trip to the East Kootenays!

We did 6 rides in 4 days spread across Invermere, Panorama, Kimberley, Cranbrook & Fernie.

I didn’t realize how amazing the biking is in this area & we’ll definitely be back!

The reel I recently posted has all the trail details if you’re interested in our itinerary.

Have you ever biked in BC? If so, where was your fave spot?

Visit kootenaydirt.com to learn more about mountain biking in BC

11/07/2024

A great podcast on the situation with the Alberta grizzly bear hunt. If you want to learn more, I highly recommend having a listen! 🐻

Both myself and Dr. Sarah Elmeligi were interviewed today on Real Talk Ryan Jespersen about the Alberta grizzly bear hunt reintroduction. Listen and watch our interviews to get informed about what's going on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtFnsCt8YTY

If you've missed it in the news cycle, the Alberta government has reintroduced the hunting of 'problem grizzly bears' by what it calls "wildlife management responders" -- which will be grizzly trophy hunters that will be allowed to kill grizzly bears that a Fish & Wildlife officer deems to be a problem. This of course raises all kinds of ethical issues, but most importantly, it overrides the science that lists grizzly bears as a threatened species in Alberta.

I'll be on CBC at Noon tomorrow in Alberta from 12-12:30, along with AM770 at 8:15 am. For the CBC show, you can call in and talk to Minister Loewen, who'll be on sharing his side of things from 12:30-1 (please do call in!). You'll also be able to call in and chat to me from 12-12:30 if you'd like to.

Want to get involved right now? Sign this easy form letter on the AWA website at https://albertawilderness.ca/__trashed-2/ or donate to Exposed Wildlife Conservancy (we're launching a big Protect Alberta's Grizzlies campaign which will go live tomorrow) at https://www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org/donate Every single dollar donated goes directly toward this project and as always, I don't take a penny from the charity I co-founded. All Canadians will also get a tax receipt for their donations.

Thanks everyone, it's going to take an army to fight this one, so I sincerely hope you'll join us in the battle.

09/07/2024

Very important to fill out a permit before paddling anywhere in Banff!

Planning to get your feet wet in Banff National Park? 🛶

Before paddling your non-motorized watercraft, you MUST complete an AIS Prevention Permit. They are mandatory for all watercraft and gear entering a new body of water in Banff National Park.

💡𝗧𝗶𝗽: complete your mandatory Self-Certification Permit online, before you go: https://ow.ly/R8w150Sr5XX

Cellphone reception is unreliable in Banff National Park, so it is important to remember to do this before heading out on your adventure. 📵

💙Learn more about aquatic invasive species (AIS) and why this certification is important: https://ow.ly/GVIx50Sr5XY

03/07/2024

👏🏽👏🏽 say it louder!!!!!

Seeing a bear on the side of the road can be exciting, but for everyone’s safety, do not stop. Stopping to take pictures or get a closer look can be hazardous for people and bears.

If you see a bear:
🚫 Do not stop.
🚗 Slow down but keep driving.
🚧 Follow all traffic laws.
🛑 Stop only if wildlife is on the road, maintaining at least a 100m distance.
👮 Follow the direction of any officials directing traffic on the scene.

Bear jams pose numerous risks, including accidents, bear collisions, impeding bear movements and habituation. Help protect wildlife and people by continuing to drive.

30/06/2024

Improperly stored garbage is the most common cause of human-bear conflicts. Remember to dispose of your garbage in bear-resistant trash bins.
✔️ Ensure the bins are properly latched.
✔️ Immediately inform campground staff if trash bins are full or require maintenance.

If bear-resistant trash bins aren't available:
✔️ Store all garbage in your vehicle until it can be disposed of at an appropriate facility.
✔️Never leave garbage where it can be reached by bears.
✔️ Pack out all garbage with you when you leave.

21/06/2024

A bear doing bear things.

If you ever see (or smell) an animal carcass while hiking, take out your bear spray immediately and leave the area.

Another thing to look for is birds of prey circling above. We know these birds like to scavenge and they could be pecking at a carcass on the ground. This is also a sign to leave the area. Bears will defend their food sources.

Glad the hikers are ok, and the bear too.

Update on June 11 bear incident: Both injured hikers are out of hospital and are recovering. Parks Canada has not located the bear involved, but genetic testing has confirmed it is a male grizzly.

A search of the area revealed a carcass of a bighorn sheep nearby. Both grizzly and black bears can be defensive when protecting a food source. This is considered normal bear behaviour and could explain this attack.

This specific bear was first identified via genetics in Waterton Lakes in 2007 and has not had any prior documented negative encounters. Bear attacks are rare, but this incident is a reminder that all of Waterton Lakes National Park is home to bears and other wildlife. Follow these practices for your safety, and that of wildlife:

🔔 Be alert for sounds, smells or other signs of wildlife on the trail. Heightened awareness is necessary when hiking off trail as bears are less used to seeing humans in these areas.

🥩 Animal carcasses are food sources. If you come across a large dead animal, leave the area and report it to Parks Canada staff.

📢 Make noise and travel in groups. Talk, sing or clap; let the bear know you’re there.

🐻 Bear spray can be an effective deterrent. Everyone in a group should have one accessible and know how to use it. Bear spray was likely the reason why this bear disengaged.

💨 Before you deploy your bear spray, consider the wind. It can be debilitating if spray is blown back at you.

🗺️ Share your plan. Let others know where you will be and when you expect to return.

📶 Hiking trails have poor cell service. Consider carrying a radio or satellite communicator, as it’s important to have a way to contact safety services if needed.

The closure of Crandell Lake and area is still in effect and likely will be for at least a week.

20/06/2024

Apparently I’m 30?

I don’t know if i’ll ever accept this 😂

📸

19/06/2024

Please sign if you want to help bears 🐻

14/06/2024

This may look harsh - but it’s for the best. When bears lose their natural fear of humans, it can result in them getting hurt or killed.

This is a main reason why Bear 178 (Nakoda) was hit and killed on the highway recently in Banff. She was VERY habituated to humans and being near the road. Unfortunately that lack of fear resulted in her death. We as humans have a responsibility to ensure these animals remain wild.

When you see bears on the roadside, please slow down but keep driving. When you stop and linger, or even get out of your vehicle (can’t believe anyone would do this)…you are contributing to further habituation of these animals.

Parks staff haze bears with rubber bullets and paintball guns to teach bears “you’re not safe here”. And that ultimately helps protect them. 🩵

14/06/2024

I just heard a nasty rumour that we are getting 30cm of snow by Monday. ❄️ 🏔️

While I know this is typical mountain weather, this year has felt so strange. We had essentially no snow until spring. Then we got a few big dumps and not a lot of warm weather since.

The snowpack is still quite high in the alpine, making a lot of hikes inaccessible or unsafe. Please keep this in mind as you set out to hit the trails in the next month. There’s still plenty of potential for avalanches in some of those higher elevation/north facing slopes. You may still need spikes depending on the trail.

Banff National Park put out a notice recently warning people of winter conditions near Lake Agnes and the Beehives. They had to rescue several people up there recently due to lack of preparedness and wearing improper footwear on the icy trail.

Although the road to Highwood Pass in Kananaskis opens June 15th, Alberta Parks has closed all the trails in the area as everything is still buried in snow and there’s such a high avalanche risk there.

I plan to stick to lower elevation hikes for the next little while, such as trails around the Bragg Creek area, highway 40 (Kananaskis), and south facing slopes that are snow free.

Another thing to keep in mind is that bears and other wildlife have been seen more frequently in the valley bottoms and along roadways as many other areas are still snowbound. They have access to dandelions, grasses, and other foods where the snow has already melted. Please drive carefully and prepare to encounter these animals at any time. 🩵

As always, my DMs are open. If you had a specific hike planned and you’re not sure if it’s safe or not, or unsure if conditions are good right now, feel free to reach out. Im happy to give you some advice.

📸 I’m obsessed with these photos by .photography 😍 she is so talented. 🙌🏽

11/06/2024

So sad. Please read the caption. We need to stop contributing to habituation of bears. Please think of their life and the consequences your actions will have on them.

01/06/2024

How can it be that today is a day to celebrate two of my favourite things?! It’s National Trails Day AND National Black Bear Day 🐻

Peep the floof at the end 👀

7 years ago, someone asked me “what are your hobbies?” And I froze. I felt embarrassed that I didn’t know. I didn’t have any. I was a full time student, working 2 jobs, in a very codependent relationship, and felt very lost in life. I replied, “uhh…reading…??” (My textbooks 🤣)

Fast forward to now and I have so many hobbies I don’t have space to store all the gear! The mountains helped me find myself. I am so grateful for the trails that we hike & bike on. Being on the trail is my therapy, it’s where I’m most at peace. 🌲

Shout out to all the organizations that have created and maintained all the beautiful trail systems that I have had the privilege of using over the years. ❤️

Comment your fave trail below!👇🏽

31/05/2024

Very happy to see this closure. We need to give mama elk their space.

ELK CLOSURE: South half of the Canmore Engine Bridge Island in the Canmore Nordic Center Provincial Park and Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park due to a female elk with a calf in the area that has been charging at multiple groups of people. Female elk can be especially aggressive during the May – June calving season so give them space and keep pets on a leash. More info at: https://ow.ly/huUQ50S2YLO

30/05/2024

Heads up. Elk & moose calving season.

Canmore residents should be aware of cow elk sightings in town, especially since they have just had their calves.

We are currently assessing and monitoring any human/wildlife conflicts that are being reported in the community.

While elk are generally not aggressive, cow elk with young calves can be easily provoked to attack while protecting their calves. Moose can also pose a similar threat.

To ensure your safety and the safety of others, please follow these precautions:

Maintain distance: Always keep a safe distance from all wildlife, even if they appear calm or friendly.

Avoid calves: Never come between a cow and her calf. Mothers are extremely protective and can charge if they feel their young are threatened. Give lots of distance and turn around if confronted and find another way.

Avoid small trails and shortcuts: stay on the main pathways, as calves are often hidden along smaller trails and can go unnoticed. This increases the risk of encountering a protective cow elk or moose. Stay safe by using well-traveled routes.

Leash pets: Ensure your pets are on a leash and under control at all times. A curious dog can provoke an attack.

Report sightings: If you encounter an aggressive animal, report it immediately to local wildlife authorities.

For immediate assistance, call Fish and Wildlife at 310-0000. If outside business hours, use the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.

26/05/2024

Jordan: “Why haven’t you ever posted this photo?”
Me: “I’ve never seen this photo in my life” 😳

*Immediately edits the photo & posts it*

Pretty rude of him to keep such an epic photo from me 🙄

📸

26/05/2024

Something to consider!

25/05/2024

Instagram used to be fun.

Until I became the next culprit of the algorithm and it put so much pressure on me that it wasn’t fun anymore.

From my experience, when you take long breaks from posting on this app, it punishes you. I struggle with being consistent with most things in life, but when I don’t post for a few weeks or months, Instagram doesn’t show my followers my content anymore, unless it happens to go “viral”, then MAYBE 50% of them will see it.

To be honest, I have had to take a lot of mental health breaks from this app over the years. It can be a very toxic place, as I’m sure you all have experienced before.

I started to feel like a robot, spending hours brainstorming a good “hook” for a reel and creating it - just for it to get 2,000 views and 5 comments. And then to have bigger accounts steal my videos, chop it into pieces and use what they wanted from it, not even crediting me.

Contacting hundreds of brands to see if maybe they’d want to work with me, just to have them ghost me.

Getting called out on every little thing I do or say wrong - as if I’m supposed to be perfect just because I decided to show up and be vulnerable.

Having my followers get mad at me and unfollow me because I decided to hike with my friends, instead of organizing a group hike and inviting them.

I am sick of the pressure of making “GREAT” content every single time I post. And yes, this pressure definitely comes from within myself- no one is forcing me to do this. I guess when you have your sights set on a goal, you want to try everything to achieve it.

I’ve decided to go back to the way I used to do things, when Instagram was fun for me. I’m taking the pressure off, and posting things how I want and when I want. If that negatively affects my reach/engagement, so be it. At least my brain will feel better. 🧠❤️

Anyway, thanks for reading. These are just some thoughts I wanted to get out of my head today. I’m sure some of you will disagree with me and that’s fine. I’m just speaking on my own experience. I appreciate you all more than you know.