A hiker narrowly escaped a charging grizzly bear encounter close to Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, triggering a bear warning for the area. The incident occurred on Monday, prompting authorities to issue a cautionary notice until further updates.
The bear warning covers 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. Despite the advisory, the warning emphasized the possibility of encountering bears at any time.
John Clarke, a former conservation officer in Kananaskis Country, stressed the importance of carrying bear spray and being prepared for wildlife encounters. He highlighted the typical behaviors of bears and advised hikers on appropriate responses based on the animals’ actions.
As bears emerge from hibernation and seek food during this period, Clarke emphasized the need for caution when exploring areas frequented by wildlife. Breeding season for bears commences in late spring, with the animals preparing for winter by consuming significant amounts of food to build up fat reserves.
Notably, bears in well-visited areas like K-Country, Banff, and Jasper are more accustomed to human presence due to regular interactions with visitors. The warning recommended precautionary measures such as making noise while hiking, traveling in groups, keeping pets on leashes, carrying bear spray, and storing food securely in bear-proof containers.
Individuals were urged to report any wildlife sightings or incidents to the designated hotline. Despite attempts to contact the Ministry of Forestry and Parks for additional information, there was no response at the time of publication.
Last summer, a comprehensive bear warning was issued for all of Kananaskis Country, marking the first area-wide alert since 2016.