Wildlife safety tips for trail runners

Once the snow melts and the trails dry up, it’s not just runners making a comeback—wildlife is out in full force, too. From black bears stretching after a long winter to snakes sunbathing on warm pavement, spring and summer bring the potential for wild (and sometimes weird) animal encounters on the run. Don’t let that keep you inside, though. With a little know-how, you can be alert, stay safe and keep running free.

Bears: know your type

Canada’s mountain parks are home to both black bears and grizzlies—and yes, they use the same trails we do. These powerful, sensitive animals usually want nothing to do with humans, but runners move fast and quietly, making surprise encounters more likely.

Fun fact: Grizzlies can smell food from over 20 km away. That energy bar in your vest? They know it’s there.

How to stay safe

If the bear is acting defensive—like it’s surprised, protecting cubs or guarding food—it may huff, swat the ground or bluff charge. It sees you as a threat. Stay calm. Speak softly. Back away slowly. Don’t run. Use bear spray if it charges. If it makes contact, play dead.

If the bear seems curious—standing up, sniffing, approaching slowly without signs of stress—it may just be trying to figure out what you are. Talk in a firm voice. Hold your ground. Make yourself look big. Slowly move out of its path. Be ready with bear spray.

If the bear is predatory—following you, approaching silently, especially at night or in a stalking manner—it sees you as prey. Do not play dead. Stand your ground. Shout. Throw things. Use bear spray. If it attacks, fight back with everything you’ve got.

Remember: avoiding an encounter is your best bet. Make noise as you run, and try to stay in groups.

Cougars: the ultimate stealth-mode predator

You’ll rarely see a cougar before it sees you. These big cats are quiet, fast and generally want nothing to do with humans. But every once in a while, especially in more remote trail areas, runners and cougars do cross paths.

Fun fact: Cougars can leap up to 12 metres in a single bound.

How to stay safe

• Don’t run at dawn or dusk if you’re in cougar territory.
• Stay aware—no headphones, and keep an eye on your surroundings.
• If you see one, don’t turn your back or run. Make yourself look big, talk firmly, and back away slowly.
• If it acts aggressively or stalks you, maintain eye contact, yell, and get ready to fight. Cougars are ambush predators—convince them you’re not easy prey.

Snakes: slithery, not sinister

Most snakes that runners encounter are harmless, even in places with venomous ones, like rattlesnakes. They’re sunbathers, not sprinters, and usually want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them.

Fun fact: Snakes don’t chase people. If they move toward you, it’s likely trying to escape to cover.

How to stay safe

• Stick to the trail—snakes like basking on warm rock or dirt.
• Step over logs, not on them, in case something’s coiled on the far side.
• In rattler territory, listen for the warning rattle. If you hear it, freeze, locate the snake, and give it space.
• If bitten: stay calm and get help—don’t suck the venom or tourniquet.

‘Near death for me’: Colorado trail runner almost killed by a cow

Wait—was that a cow?

Not all wildlife is wild. Runners in rural areas sometimes cross paths with farm animals, like cows, sheep or even llamas. Just because they’re domesticated doesn’t mean they’re chill.

Fun fact: Cows can run up to 40 km/h and have been known to charge if startled or if calves are nearby.

How to stay safe:

• Don’t run through herds—go around, if possible.
• Avoid eye contact, stay calm and walk slowly
• If one starts following or acting aggressively, don’t turn your back—keep facing it and back away.