A section of Banff National Park has been closed to protect nesting loons — the bird that graces Canada’s dollar coin.
Parks Canada issued an area closure on May 20, barring all access to the north end of Third Vermilion Lake, including the shoreline and adjacent waters.
"The north end of Third Vermilion Lake including the shoreline and nearby waters" is closed to "all traffic and travel," the Banff Field Unit bulletin states.
The closure is in effect until June 27 under Section 36(1) of the National Parks General Regulations of the Canada National Parks Act.
"Nesting loons need protection from human disturbance," the notice states.
Violators can face fines of up to $25,000.
The loon closure comes as multiple wildlife advisories remain in effect across Banff and Kananaskis Country.
A bear warning issued May 17 remains active along the Lake Minnewanka Trail in Banff National Park after a female black bear with offspring made contact with a tent in a campground.
"Special caution is recommended when travelling in this area due to the following bear-related situation. A female black bear with offspring made contact with a tent in a campground," the agency stated.
"Bear displaying bold behaviour and frequenting area," the bulletin states.
Another bear warning was issued on May 8 for the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, including the clubhouse, maintenance compound, and surrounding parking lots.
"Multiple grizzly and black bears frequenting the area," the bulletin states.
On May 14, Alberta Parks closed the Rockwall Trail and the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre and Meadow Area, citing "multiple bears frequenting the area."
All three bear notices carry the same caution: "Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time."
In all affected zones, visitors are advised to make noise, travel in groups, keep pets on leash, and carry bear spray that is visible and accessible.
A separate wildlife warning was issued May 16 for Larch Island near Canmore due to cow elk calving.
The advisory warns: "Not approaching elk or their calves. Female elk can be especially aggressive during the May – June calving season."
"Leaving newborn calves alone. [Spring only] Newborns will spend much of their time alone in their early days and will appear lifeless in order to avoid detection by predators. Their mother is not far away," the bulletin adds.
Aggressive elk encounters should be reported to Alberta Parks at 403-591-7755. Bear sightings in Banff can be reported to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
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