Banff National Park is warning hikers that bears are entering a late-season feeding push and urges extra caution on area trails.
Officials said bears are in “hyperphagia,” a period in late summer and fall when they dramatically increase food intake to build fat reserves before hibernation. During this time, they feed almost constantly, focusing on high-calorie foods such as berries, the park said in a Facebook post.
Visitors are advised to travel in groups of four or more, make noise, leave dogs at home, carry bear spray and watch for signs such as fresh scat or berry bushes. Bear sightings can be reported to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
Alberta Parks has issued three separate wildlife warnings in Kananaskis Country after recent cougar and bear encounters.
A cougar warning was put in place Thursday for the Mount Baldy rock climbing area and the North Baldy scramble route after a cougar was seen at the base of the Baldy Crag twice since Sept. 4.
Two bear warnings were issued Friday. One covers the Village Rim Trail and the surrounding area in Kananaskis Village, where a bear bluff charged a hiker. The other covers the Burstall Pass trail, parking lot and surrounding area, where a bear bluff charged a hiker and bear spray was deployed.
Advisories for all three areas remain in effect until further notice.
Alberta Parks cautioned that cougars and bears can be encountered anywhere in Kananaskis at any time. Visitors are urged to travel in groups, make noise, keep pets leashed and remain aware of their surroundings.
Officials also advise carrying bear spray, securing all attractants, and reporting wildlife sightings to 403-591-7755.
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