Banff was the first declared national park of Canada, and that designation has allowed it to flourish as a wildlife refuge where countless species can live safely and harmoniously with the people of the area. Although Banff is known best for its ski slopes and winter fun, it’s still one of the best places on Earth to catch rare and interesting species of animals.
These are some of the most interesting creatures you’ll find here, and why you need to head to Banff to see them.
Endangered Species
There are dozens of endangered species that make their way through Banff every year, and many call it home year-round. Some of the endangered species that never leave are wolverines, whooping cranes, and woodland caribou. Each of these is endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, or pollution that’s left them without anywhere but Banff to live in. Photos of the creatures are extremely powerful because they show animals just trying to survive despite their circumstances.
Incredible Bears
There are two main bear species in Banff, black bears, and grizzly bears. Black bears are far smaller, less aggressive, and are generally only trouble when they get out to Banff homes for sale and start rifling through the garbage.
Grizzly bears are extremely large bears and are quicker to aggression, but they usually only attack if antagonized or if they’re feeling territorial. Unfortunately, there are only 65 grizzlies in Banff due to habitat loss and pollution.
Bear attacks are incredibly rare, and the park has released statements that 99% of the time: if people leave bears alone, the bears will leave people alone.
Gorgeous Hooven Animals
There’s a large population of animals with hooves in Banff! These range from elk and deer to mountain goats, sheep, and caribou. This large selection makes for interesting photos, especially as you see them side by side.
Although these seem like docile creatures, it’s vital that you give hooven creatures as much space as you would give a bear. Not only to protect the animals but also because these animals can and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Moose are stunningly large, much bigger than the average person would think if they saw them from a distance, so it’s important not to risk antagonizing them and possibly harming yourself.
What Behavior Isn’t Allowed
While you’re in Banff, it’s important that you respect the park rules and avoid coming within a couple of hundred feet of animal life. These are wild creatures, and even if they can’t physically harm you: you may harm them without noticing. Take anything with you that you bring into the park, leave nothing behind, and don’t feed any of the animals outside of designated areas where it’s allowed. Although this may feel like a buzz-kill to some, it’s important to keep these animals safe and healthy.
Banff is an Incredible Nature Spot for Anyone to Visit
If you’re vacationing and ready to get some animal sightseeing in, it’s time to head to Baff! Not only are there plenty of animals to see, but there’s also tons of events and fun to enjoy while you’re here!
Read more: A Guide to Visiting Queensland, Australia
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