Alberta Parks has issued two separate bear warnings for popular hiking areas in Kananaskis Country after encounters involving deployed bear spray and a bluff charge.
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A warning was issued Saturday for the Galatea Trail following a “close bear encounter with bear spray deployed,” Alberta Parks stated in an Aug. 2 advisory.
The affected area includes:
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Galatea Day Use
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Galatea Creek Trail
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Spray Valley Provincial Park
A second warning, issued Friday, applies to the Kovach Trail near the Little Kidd Lookout, where “a bear bluff charged hikers, and bear spray was deployed.”
That warning applies to:
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Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area
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Kovach Trail
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Kovach Pond Day Use
Both warnings are in effect until further notice.
“Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time,” Alberta Parks said.
Officials advise visitors to:
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Keep all attractants secure from bears, including food, garbage, recycling, pet food and scented items
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Travel in groups and make plenty of noise
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Be aware of surroundings and look for bear signs
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Keep pets leashed
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Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it
Bear sightings should be reported immediately to 403-591-7755.
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