‘Best left undisturbed’: Banff bear photobomb illustrates need for wildlife safety

A grizzly bear was caught on a trail camera in Banff National Park, feeding on an early spring meal of fish on April 26, 2026. (Supplied/Banff National Park)

Banff National Park is reminding visitors about wildlife safety, using an amazing close-up photo of a grizzly having its lunch.

The agency posted the trail-cam photo on Facebook on Tuesday.

In it, the grizzly is looking right at the camera, munching on a fish.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“With prolonged cold temperatures, thick ice and snow can cover entire lakes, resulting in reduced oxygen levels as consumption exceeds production. This process may result in a natural fish kill, providing an easy, seasonal meal for many wildlife species like scavengers and birds, not just for bears,” the park said in the post.

“Moments like this are best left undisturbed. Always respect wildlife closures.”

Officials said it’s important to stick to the rules whenever they come across animals feeding in the park.

“Wildlife needs space, especially when feeding during spring when food is scarce,” the statement continues.

In Banff National Park and other mountain parks, visitors should never:

• stop or gather when animals are feeding at the roadside or elsewhere;
• interfere or influence wildlife behaviour, such as attempting to feed them by hand; or
• approach the animals for the purpose of taking photos.

According to park rules, all visitors should stay at least three bus lengths away from deer, elk, sheep and moose, and 10 bus lengths away from bears, wolves, cougars and coyotes.

More information on bear safety and important bulletins for guests can be found on the Parks Canada website.