Wildlife Monitoring & What We′re Learning

Wildlife continues to actively move through Three Sisters Mountain Village established corridors and ongoing monitoring is helping us better understand how wildlife and people share the landscape. 

The latest Three Sisters Mountain Village Wildlife Monitoring Report shows that elk, deer, bears, cougars and other species are using designated wildlife corridors and crossing locations throughout the year. The data also provides insights into recreation patterns in wildlife corridors including trail use and the presence of off-leash dogs; factors that can influence how comfortable wildlife feel. 

What We’re Learning

Monitoring confirms that wildlife corridors are most effective when: 

• Human activity stays on designated trails; 
• Dogs stay on leash; and 
• Corridor fencing, gates, and crossings are respected and properly used 

These findings reinforce two things: 

1. That small, everyday choices by people play a meaningful role in keeping corridors functional and safe for wildlife; and 
2. Wildlife biologists have long understood: corridors are effective only when rules are followed and consistently enforced. 

How You Can Help Improve Wildlife Movement

You can support healthy wildlife movement by: 

• Reporting behaviours like off-leash dogs, use of unapproved trails and enforcement concerns – this signals to the province to send much needed enforcement officers to ensure wildlife movement is maintained; 
• Keeping dogs on leash or leaving them at home if you decide to bike the Highline or Cloudline trails; 
• Slowing down near fence openings, gates, and wildlife crossings; and 
• Fully closing wildlife fence gates after passing through. 

Respecting these measures helps reduce disturbance and supports safe passage for wildlife moving through the valley. Wildlife corridors are shared public assets. Protecting them requires not only thoughtful planning and monitoring, but also clear rules and consistent enforcement. 

Long Term Monitoring & Adaptive Management Commitment

Three Sisters Mountain Village has been monitoring wildlife corridors in the area for decades, beginning well before current development phases. The current monitoring program follows provincially adopted methodologies and aligns with Alberta’s regional wildlife monitoring approach, ensuring data is consistent, scientifically robust, and comparable over time. 

Monitoring doesn’t stop at approval. It is an ongoing commitment to learning from real-world conditions and adjusting management approaches as needed; so that people and wildlife can continue to live next to each other in the Bow Valley. 

To learn more on what to report in provincial parks visit 310-LAND | Alberta.ca