A hiker narrowly avoided a charging grizzly bear encounter close to Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, prompting a bear warning in the area. The incident occurred when the grizzly bear came within approximately one meter of the hiker on Monday, leading to the issuance of a bear warning for the region until further notice.
The bear warning encompasses Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park and Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, including popular hiking trails like Stoney Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, and Hay Meadow Trail near Kananaskis Village. Despite the advisory in place, the warning reminds visitors that bear encounters can happen at any time.
John Clarke, a former conservation officer in Kananaskis Country and head of the Canadian Bear Safety Authority, emphasized the importance of carrying bear spray and being knowledgeable about wildlife encounters when venturing into areas frequented by wildlife. Clarke advised on different bear behaviors and highlighted the significance of understanding why a bear might follow someone.
During this period, bears are actively seeking food after emerging from hibernation at the end of April. Clarke explained that bears in well-visited areas like Kananaskis Country, Banff, and Jasper are more accustomed to human presence due to the higher number of visitors compared to more remote regions.
As the breeding season for bears begins in late spring, they start preparing for winter by consuming as much fat as possible. The warning recommends precautions such as making noise, traveling in groups, keeping pets leashed, carrying bear spray, securing food in bear-proof containers, and staying vigilant for wildlife.
Anyone witnessing wildlife sightings or incidents is encouraged to report them to 403-591-7755. Despite attempts to reach out to the Ministry of Forestry and Parks by CBC News, there was no response at the time of publication.
Last summer, a bear warning was issued for all of Kananaskis Country, marking the first Kananaskis-wide bear warning since 2016.