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If you're heading into Kananaskis Country this weekend, be aware: a grizzly bear with cubs that bluff-charged and is frequenting the area has prompted another area closure in the region.
The May 17 closure affects Grizzly Peak, Grizzly Peak Trail and areas within Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. This latest closure is in effect until further notice.
Another bear-related closure in Kananaskis took effect May 14, when Alberta Parks closed the Rockwall Trail and the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre and Meadow Area due to "multiple bears frequenting the area."
A separate closure in Banff National Park was issued May 20 to protect nesting loons.
Parks Canada closed the north end of Third Vermilion Lake to all traffic and travel. The restriction continues 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.
Several other locations in the region remain open but are under wildlife advisory or warning.
A May 8 advisory remains in place for the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, including the clubhouse, maintenance compound and surrounding parking lots. Alberta Parks states: "Multiple grizzly and black bears frequenting the area."
On May 16, a wildlife warning was issued for Larch Island near Canmore due to cow elk calving. The bulletin warns: "Not approaching elk or their calves. Female elk can be especially aggressive during the May–June calving season."
It adds: "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."
In Banff National Park, a bear warning issued May 17 remains active along the Lake Minnewanka Trail. The Parks Canada notice states: "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."
Although warnings apply to specific sites, Alberta Parks cautions: "Bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time."
In all affected areas, visitors are urged to travel in groups, make noise, leash pets and carry visible, accessible bear spray.
Bear sightings in Kananaskis should be reported to Alberta Parks at 403-591-7755. In Banff, reports should be directed to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
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