A hiker narrowly escaped a charging grizzly bear encounter close to the popular hiking spot of Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, as per a warning issued by the province. The bear came within approximately a meter of the hiker on Monday, prompting a bear warning in the area until further notice.
The cautionary advisory encompasses Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park and Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, including well-known hiking trails like Stoney Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, and Hay Meadow Trail near Kananaskis Village. The warning emphasized the potential for bear encounters at any time.
John Clarke, a former conservation officer in Kananaskis Country and operator of the Canadian Bear Safety Authority, stressed the importance of carrying bear spray and being knowledgeable about wildlife encounters while venturing into areas frequented by animals. He highlighted the typical bear behaviors of fleeing, remaining in place, climbing a tree, or pursuing individuals, with the latter being a cause for concern.
During this time of year, bears emerge from hibernation in search of food. Clarke explained that their primary focus is on foraging after leaving their dens at the end of April. Bears in areas like K-Country, Banff, and Jasper are more accustomed to human presence due to higher visitor numbers compared to remote wilderness locations.
The warning advised hikers to make noise, travel in groups, watch out for wildlife, leash their pets, carry bear spray, and secure food in bear-proof containers. Any wildlife sightings or incidents can be reported to 403-591-7755. Despite attempts to contact the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, CBC News did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Last summer, all of Kananaskis Country was placed under a bear warning, marking the first Kananaskis-wide alert since 2016.