Alberta Parks has issued a bear warning for the Burstall Pass Trail and surrounding areas in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park after a close encounter and multiple grizzly bear sightings near the trailhead.
The advisory took effect June 8 and remains in place until further notice.
Affected areas include the Burstall Pass Trail, Burstall Pass Day Use area, and the surrounding area of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
"Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time," Alberta Parks stated.
To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear, visitors are urged to:
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Make plenty of noise and travel in groups
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Be aware of your surroundings — look and listen for bears and their signs
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Keep pets on a leash
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Carry bear spray, ensure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use it
The Burstall alert is one of several wildlife warnings or closures currently in effect across Kananaskis:
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Quaite Creek area (June 3): A black bear damaged and accessed an unoccupied tent. Affected areas include Quaite Creek Trail (between Razor’s Edge and McConnell Ridge Route) and the closed Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground. Razor’s Edge and Jewell Pass Trails remain open.
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Gunnery Mountain (May 30): Cougar warning issued after two hikers were followed. Applies to Gunnery Mountain Trail and Gunnery Creek Trail.
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Rockwall Trail & Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre meadow (May 14): Bear closure due to multiple bears frequenting the area.
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Kananaskis Golf Course (May 8): Bear warning issued for the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, including the clubhouse, maintenance buildings, and parking lots, due to black and grizzly bear activity.
Wildlife sightings should be reported immediately to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755.
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