Alberta Parks has issued another bear warning in Kananaskis, after a grizzly bluff-charged a hiker near the Ribbon Creek Trail parking lot.
The advisory, effective Aug. 8 and in place until further notice, also cites multiple recent grizzly sightings along the trail.
The following bear warnings and closures are currently in effect across Kananaskis:
Bear Warning — Ribbon Creek Trail and parking area
Effective: Aug. 8, 2025
Where: Ribbon Creek Trail and parking area
Why: Grizzly bluff-charged a hiker near parking lot; multiple grizzly sightings along trail.
Bear Closure — Bill Milne Trail from Kananaskis Village to Mount Kidd RV Park
Effective: Aug. 7, 2025
Where: Bill Milne Trail from Kananaskis Village to Mount Kidd RV Park (section from Mount Kidd to Wedge Pond remains open).
Why: Multiple grizzlies and black bears feeding on berries; one bluff charge reported.
Bear Warning — Bill Milne Trail from Mount Kidd to Wedge Pond
Effective: Aug. 7, 2025
Where: Bill Milne Trail from Mount Kidd to Wedge Pond.
Why: Grizzly bluff-charged hiker.
Bear Closure — Area south of Gorge Creek Trail
Effective: Aug. 6, 2025
Where: South of Gorge Creek Trail, west to Bluerock Creek Trail, east to Indian Oils trail gate (Gorge Creek and Bluerock Creek Trails remain open; no off-trail travel).
Why: Grizzly feeding on cow carcass.
Bear Warning — Mount Shark Road and Smith-Dorrien Trail (Hwy. 742)
Effective: Aug. 6, 2025
Where: Mount Shark Road and Smith-Dorrien Trail between Mount Shark Road and Sparrowhawk Day Use.
Why: Grizzlies feeding on berries; close encounter with cyclist, bear spray deployed.
Bear Closure — Buller Mountain Day Use, including Buller Pond Hiker-Biker Camping
Effective: Aug. 6, 2025
Where: Buller Mountain Day Use area (trailhead parking open for Buller Pass hikers).
Why: Multiple grizzlies, including with cubs, feeding on berries.
Bear Warning — Mount Kidd RV Park
Effective: Aug. 5, 2025
Where: Mount Kidd RV Park.
Why: Grizzly with cubs frequenting area.
Bear Warning — Buller Mountain Trailhead
Effective: Aug. 5, 2025
Where: Buller Mountain Trailhead.
Why: Multiple grizzlies feeding on berries.
Bear Warning — Galatea Trail
Effective: Aug. 2, 2025
Where: Galatea Trail.
Why: Close encounter; bear spray deployed.
Bear Warning — Kovach Trail
Effective: Aug. 1, 2025
Where: Kovach Trail, near Little Kidd Lookout trail and surrounding area.
Why: Bear bluff-charged hikers; bear spray deployed.
Parks officials remind visitors bears can be encountered anywhere in Kananaskis at any time. Safety measures include keeping attractants secure, making noise, travelling in groups, staying aware of surroundings, leashing pets, and carrying bear spray. All bear sightings should be reported to 403-591-7755.
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