Alberta Parks has issued a cougar warning for the Gunnery Mountain area after two hikers reported being followed by a cougar.
The advisory, posted May 30, applies to Gunnery Mountain, Gunnery Creek Trail and the Highwood Compound Provincial Recreation Area. It remains in effect until further notice.
“Cougars can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region and at any time,” the warning states. “Make plenty of noise and travel in groups. Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for cougars and their signs. Keep your pet on a leash.”
But the cougar advisory is not the only wildlife notice currently in effect in the region.
A bear closure has been in place since May 14 for the Rockwall Trail and the meadow surrounding the Peter Lougheed Discovery and Information Centre. Alberta Parks says multiple bears have been frequenting the area and the closure will remain in effect until further notice.
An earlier bear warning was issued May 8 for the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, including the clubhouse, parking lots, maintenance compound and Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area. Officials say both black and grizzly bears have been active in the area.
In all cases, Alberta Parks is reminding visitors: “Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.” Wildlife sightings should be reported to 403-591-7755.
The province has also extended the seasonal vehicle closure of Highwood Pass to accommodate security measures for the upcoming G7 Summit. Highway 40 South, which typically reopens June 15, will remain closed to vehicles until June 21.
“From June 1 – 20, there will be no cyclist or pedestrian access from the north,” the advisory states. “During those dates, cyclists and pedestrians will still have limited access via the south and will be turned around just north of the Ptarmigan Cirque parking lot.”
Travellers should expect “increased security presence on the road and signage indicating closure points.”
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