A hiker narrowly avoided a charging grizzly bear encounter close to Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, prompting a provincial alert. The bear came within a meter of the hiker on Monday, leading to a bear warning in place for the area until further notice.
The warning encompasses Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, and popular hiking trails like Stoney Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, and Hay Meadow Trail near Kananaskis Village. Despite the advisory, the warning emphasizes that bear encounters can happen at any time.
John Clarke, a former conservation officer in Kananaskis Country, emphasized the importance of being prepared when entering wildlife-inhabited areas. He advised carrying bear spray and being knowledgeable about how to react if encountering animals.
At this time of year, bears are actively seeking food post-hibernation. Breeding season for bears begins in late spring as they prepare for winter by accumulating fat reserves.
Bears in well-visited areas like K-Country, Banff, and Jasper are more accustomed to human presence due to frequent interactions, unlike bears in less-trafficked regions. The advisory suggests making noise, traveling in groups, keeping pets leashed, carrying bear spray, and storing food securely in bear-proof containers.
Any wildlife sightings or incidents can be reported to 403-591-7755. CBC News attempted to reach out to the Ministry of Forestry and Parks but received no response at the time of publication.
Last summer, a comprehensive bear warning was issued for all of Kananaskis Country, marking the first Kananaskis-wide bear alert since 2016.