Alberta Parks officials have issued a closure for an area in Kananaskis County in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park as a result of a hiker having to deploy bear spray after a grizzly bear with cubs bluff charged with the individual.
The closure was listed on the Alberta Parks website on Sunday and is in effect until further notice, encompassing King Creek Day Use Area and King Creek Ridge Trail.
Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear visitors should make plenty of noise travel in groups and be aware of their surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
One should also keep pets on a leash. Carrying bear spray is also advised, as well as knowing how to use it.
The bluff bear charge is one of several that have occurred in K-Country in the past several weeks. Another incident also occurred at Spray Lakes Provincial Park where a bear with cubs also bluff-charged a hiker resulting in the hiker deploying their bear spray. A bear closure is now in effect for Rummel Lake and surrounding area. High Rockies Trail however is not affected.
Ribbon Creek Trail from the trailhead to Memorial Lakes Junction is under a bear warning due a bluff charge by a black bear with two cubs, while a portion of High Rockies Trail from the Goat Pond Dam to Spray Lakes West Campground after a lack bear bluff charge on trail.
The warning and closures are part of several other warnings in the region due to bear activity.
In Banff National Park, officials have issued another bear warning earlier this month, this time for Lake Minnewanka Loop. According to officials, a black bear is frequenting the area and has obtained unsecured human food.
"Special caution is recommended when travelling in the Lake Minnewanka Loop area due to bear activity in the area," officials stated.
The warning is in effect until further notice and encompasses Lake Minnewanka Loop, excluding Cascade Ponds and Johnson Lake. Officials are urging visitors to remember that one should be prepared to encounter a bear at any time in and around this area, and they are also urging safe practices including tending to food.
"Always store all food, garbage, and any scented items in a vehicle, hard-sided trailer, or bear locker. Fire pits should not be used to dispose of garbage
or liquids."
Other tips include:
- All food and garbage must be disposed of in a proper receptacle.
- Pay attention to bears when travelling in this area.
- Make noise when hiking and cycling
- Keep pets on leash and a close eye on children.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
The warning comes as berry season has begun in Banff, which means that bears will be roaming around and foraging on berries.
Berry season ends in mid-October, and those visiting the area are reminded to stay vigilant, especially as a bear warning was also issued earlier this month for Lake Louise Parking Lots, Day Use Area Lakeshore Trail, Fairview Lookout Trail and the area after grizzlies were spotted in the vicinity. The warning is in effect until further notice. On July 10, officials noted that the LM8 Campground is closed to all users until mid-September.
"To increase public safety, and minimize displacement of grizzly bears from prime food sources at a critical time of the year," Parks Canada stated on its website.