Alberta Parks has added two more advisories to a growing list of bear warnings and closures in Kananaskis Country, after new reports of grizzly bluff charges.
A closure for the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit Trail was issued Aug. 11 and remains in effect until further notice. It includes the trail from North Interlakes Day Use to White Spruce Day Use, Everest Trail, and all portions of shoreline. Officials say multiple bears are feeding in the area and a grizzly bluff charge was reported.
On Aug. 10, a bear warning was issued for Canyon Creek Road after a grizzly bluff-charged a person with a dog.
The following bear warnings and closures are currently in effect across Kananaskis:
Bear Closure — Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit Trail
Effective: Aug. 11, 2025
Where: Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit Trail from North Interlakes Day Use to White Spruce Day Use, Everest Trail, and all shoreline
Why: Multiple bears feeding; reported grizzly bear bluff charge
Bear Warning — Canyon Creek Road
Effective: Aug. 10, 2025
Where: Canyon Creek Road
Why: Grizzly bear bluff-charged person with dog
Bear Warning — Ribbon Creek Trail and parking area
Effective: Aug. 8, 2025
Where: Ribbon Creek Trail and parking area
Why: Grizzly bluff-charged hiker near parking lot; multiple grizzly sightings
Bear Closure — Bill Milne Trail from Kananaskis Village to Mount Kidd RV Park
Effective: Aug. 7, 2025
Where: 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: 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: 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 (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 say 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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