There are lots of things they do which we in the USA should pay attention to:
1) They make the new construction in the cities be a long distance form the freeway. Just drive by Edmonton and Calgary, cities which have had tremendous growth, perhaps due to the oil boom just north of them. All the people we met on our trip seemed to be engineers related to that industry. And they planned their cities well. You certainly don't feel claustrophobic with all that greens-space between the road and their new neighborhoods!
2) And they seem to take care of their wildlife. Just look at the crossovers they have built close to Banff. It is covered with natural vegetation so the animals cross over the traffic. And miles and miles of high fences prevent animals form getting in the car's way.
3) But, most important, they really warn people about wildlife.
Yes, at the start of every hike from that road, they have a sign saying people should go with a minimum of 4 people. If you do not have 4 in your group, wait for others to arrive and go with them. And keep talking to prevent surprising a bear.
What a great idea. In Kodiak we didn't have those problems. Bears there are very well fed and keep out of your way. But here and in Montana, those guys are a little hungrier. So when you enter their space, you are traipsing on their feeding range.
I take this very seriously, because the ambulance I heard as I was leaving the Yellowstone clinic from a fall I took 2 years ago (while doing something stupid). It was carrying the lone survivor of a bear attack that made national news.
Anyway, travel in groups of at least four and be loud, as you hike in bear country near the Lower 48 and lower Canada!
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