what is Jasper Natl. Park like right now?

I've been to Jasper numerous times in the spring/early summer, but I was wondering if anyone's been there in the last week or so or at this time of year in previous years? I know the elk rut is pretty much over, so I was wondering if bears are down in the valleys again or are they still up high? I'm hoping the latest snow might have encouraged them to come down lower. Also, is this a good time to see bull moose in the valleys?

I appreciate any and all info you care to share, thank you!

Nancy

Didn't see any bears there last week. Saw moose at Maligne Lake though.

Just the kind of info I was looking for! Thanks, Kah Kit.

Nancy

I think I've seen a bear there once in October, but only once that I can recall. They're more often seen in the late spring. Certainly lots of moose, elk, bighorns around. I don't know that the elk rut is over yet.

I haven't been since the summer--still debating if I'm going to head out Sunday/Monday--but I've heard that the pipeline construction along the main highway has resulted in fewer wildlife in that area. Shouldn't affect the other areas (Maligne Lake, Icefields Parkway, etc.), though.

-Paul

If you're interested in bighorns, there are a lot on Wilcox pass.

Of course Jasper is beautiful at any time of year. This is a good time to get the dusting of snow and the clear reflections. You may find the bighorns near the Old Fort Point trail area from the town of Jasper. With the lofty views as a bonus you may get some good shots. There are sections along Highway 16 east of the town of Jasper where the sheep frequent the roadside and likely some of the rams will be there too. Wilcox pass is better for finding bighorns but be prepared for winter conditions. It was already very white there when we passed through during the 3rd week of September. Bears should be in the lower elevations where there is food to be found. They will be gorging on the berries. Wolves and mountain caribou are in the Maligne Lake area. For mountain goats the Athabasca viewpoint just past the turnoff to the Athabasca Falls is great. This is where you can see them up close.

I hope this helps, Nancy.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Nancy,
I would be willing to meet you there for a days shooting, I know the natioal parks pretty well
send me an email, and I'll take a drive up, Ive been meaning to do it for a while
Dave

Thanks for the ideas to all who replied. I've got lots of bighorn shots from up there, but maybe catching them fighting this time of year would be possible (good idea about Old Fort Point on the hills there, Will). I would have thought the bears would be down low by now, but apparently not yet. Maybe with the latest snow, though, they'll come down lower.