The Scene at the Lake
Last winter, while wandering the frozen shores of a lake in Banff National Park, I stumbled upon an unexpected scene: a raven perched triumphantly on a backpack, clutching a slab of raw steak in it’s beak. The scene was both amusing and unsettling—a perfectly intelligent creature taking advantage of a human oversight. The two hikers who owned the bag had left it unattended as they explored the ice. That moment offered a stark reminder of just how resourceful wildlife can be—and why it's so important to be mindful of how our actions affect them.
Ravens, often celebrated as tricksters in folklore, are incredibly intelligent birds. They can problem-solve, use tools, and even work together. This particular raven had figured out how to unzip the hikers' backpack, tossing its contents into the snow. A buffet of human essentials—camping gear, medical supplies, and food—was now scattered around the scene. And yet, this raven was selective. It ignored the potatoes and dehydrated meals, going straight for the prize: a vacuum-sealed ribeye steak.
As I watched, a second raven swooped in to join the feast. Together, they made quick work of the packaging, tearing the steak into shareable chunks. It was clever, opportunistic… and dangerous.
Why Leaving Food Unattended is a Problem
While the sight of a raven snatching a ribeye might seem harmless—or even comical—it underscores a critical issue in Banff National Park and protected areas everywhere. Human food can attract wildlife of all kinds, from ravens and squirrels to much larger animals like bears and cougars.
Here’s why this matters:
Human Food Conditioning: When animals learn that human belongings are a source of food, they become food-conditioned. This behavior is dangerous, as animals may grow persistent, fearless, or aggressive when approaching humans.
Safety Risks: Ravens may not pose a direct threat, but bears, cougars, and other large animals certainly do. An unattended backpack with food can lure these animals to trails, campsites, or roads, putting both people and wildlife at risk.
The Consequences for Wildlife: Once an animal becomes food-conditioned, its behavior often changes permanently. It might return to populated areas looking for more food, becoming a nuisance or danger. In many cases, these animals must be relocated or, tragically, destroyed to ensure public safety. As heartbreaking as it is, "a fed bear is a dead bear," as the saying goes.
Lessons from the Ribeye Heist
Banff National Park—a stunning refuge for wildlife and a UNESCO World Heritage site—relies on visitors to uphold basic principles of respect and responsibility. The incident with the ravens serves as a reminder that even leaving a bag unattended for a short time can have consequences.
Here are some ways you can help protect wildlife and ensure your visit is a responsible one:
Never Leave Food or Scented Items Unattended: If you step away from your belongings, take your food (and trash) with you. Wildlife can locate food from extraordinary distances.
Use Wildlife-Safe Containers: Bear-proof canisters and lockers are essential when camping or hiking in areas where wildlife is active.
Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Pack it in, pack it out. Properly dispose of all food and packaging to leave no trace of your visit.
Report Problematic Situations: If you spot wildlife interacting with human food or unattended items, notify Parks Canada staff to help prevent further issues.
Ravens: Tricksters and Teachers
Ravens are remarkably intelligent and adaptable—a joy to watch and photograph. However, their behavior around human food highlights how quickly wildlife can exploit opportunities we unintentionally provide. This story of the ribeye theft is amusing on the surface but carries an important message: our actions directly impact the wild animals we come to admire.
Closing Thought
Next time you encounter a raven, try talking to it! Ravens are intelligent tricksters, known to mimic sounds and even human speech.
Browse my gallery for shots of ravens, bears, and more.