A hiker narrowly escaped a charging grizzly bear near Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, prompting a bear warning in the area. The incident occurred on Monday, with the warning encompassing Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, and popular trails like Stoney Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, and Hay Meadow Trail near Kananaskis Village.
The advisory reminds visitors that encountering bears is possible at any time and emphasizes the importance of being prepared when entering wildlife-populated areas. John Clarke, a former conservation officer, stressed the need for carrying bear spray and understanding appropriate actions in wildlife encounters.
During this time of year, bears are actively seeking food after emerging from hibernation in late April. The breeding season begins in late spring, leading bears to consume as much fat as possible before winter. Bears in well-visited areas like K-Country, Banff, and Jasper are more accustomed to human presence, as they regularly encounter a significant number of visitors compared to remote areas.
To enhance safety in bear habitats, the warning advises making noise, traveling in groups, watching out for wildlife, leashing pets, carrying bear spray, and properly storing food in bear-resistant containers. Any wildlife sightings or incidents should be reported to 403-591-7755.
Despite attempts to contact the Ministry of Forestry and Parks by CBC News, no response was received at the time of publication. Notably, Kananaskis Country was under a comprehensive bear warning last summer, marking the first Kananaskis-wide alert since 2016.
