We sometimes feel a sense of security when we're walking or biking in town but the reality is we have a lot of natural areas in Cochrane which attracts wildlife. 

There was a bear spotted in town last week which is not uncommon for the area we live in. 

Fish & WIldlife Officer Aaron Szott says it's important to be ready for wildlife encounters at all times. 

"When you're out recreating in southern Alberta we definitely have a good population of black bears and grizzly bears so the number one recommendation is to carry bear spray with you and when you have that bear spray, make sure it's readily accessible."

Szott says when it comes to bear bangers it's not his first go-to. 

"Bear bangers are good in a sense that they can create a loud noise which often will scare the bear or other wildlife away from you but right now with it being as dry as it is with the fire hazard it could possibly start an unwanted grass fire."

Szott says it's important to remain calm if you do come across a bear in particular.

He recommends letting the bear know you're there by making some noise, perhaps yelling at the bear and to deploy bear spray if you're close enough to do so. 

He says typically bears and other wildlife will just follow the river right through our town. 

"All the creeks like the Jumping Pound Creek that flows into Cochrane as well as the Bow River, those are natural wildlife corridors so the bears will often just follow the creek and sure enough they'll be in Cochrane."

Szott says everyone needs to take steps to avoid attracting wildlife into town. 

"The biggest thing is attractant management. So not putting your garbage out until the morning of the garbage pick up. As well as ensuring people clean out their BBQ's and grease traps. As well, if they have apple trees or cherry trees or any fruit bearing trees they'll want to ensure that those fruits are picked up so they don't attract any bears."

He adds if you do encounter a bear or any other wildlife that could be a public safety concern you are asked to call the 24-hour Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.