Parks Canada has closed the Mt. Coleman day use area in Banff National Park after a bear was seen exhibiting "bold behaviour" and seeking human food.
The order took effect June 9 under Section 36(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, pursuant to the Canada National Parks Act. All traffic and travel is prohibited until further notice.
Violators may face a maximum fine of $25,000 under the Act.
Meanwhile, Alberta Parks has also issued a separate warning in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park after grizzly bears were spotted near a popular Kananaskis trail.
A bear warning for the Burstall Pass Trail and surrounding areas was issued June 8 following a close encounter and multiple sightings near the trailhead.
The advisory applies to the Burstall Pass Trail, the Burstall Pass Day Use area, and the wider Peter Lougheed Provincial Park region.
"Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time," Alberta Parks stated.
Visitors are urged to:
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Make noise and travel in groups
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Watch and listen for bears or signs of bear activity
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Keep pets leashed
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Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it
The Burstall notice is one of several wildlife alerts or closures currently active in the Kananaskis Region:
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Quaite Creek area (June 3): 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): Closure due to multiple bears frequenting the area.
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Kananaskis Golf Course (May 8): Bear warning for 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.