Bear warning issued for Kananaskis Country after grizzly bluff charges hiker

A bear warning was issued earlier this week for trails in K-Country.

A bear warning was issued by Parks Alberta earlier this week after a grizzly bluff charged a hiker on a trail in Kananaskis Country.

On Monday, a grizzly got within four feet of a hiker, prompting the warning being posted for the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation area, including Sunburst Trail, Stoney Trail, Troll Falls Trail and surrounding areas and trails.

The impacted area is 30 kilometres east of Canmore and 20 kilometres south on Highway 40.

The advisory is in effect until further notice.

On April 29, Parks Canada issued a bear warning for Vermilion Lakes Road, where The Boss, aka Bear 122, was spotted feasting on fish carcasses.

“Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered at any time,” Parks Alberta said.

To avoid surprising a bear, Parks Alberta recommends the following:

• Make plenty of noise and travel in groups;
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs;
• Keep your pet on a leash;
• Carry bear spray; and
• Lock up bear attractants like food, garbage and pet food in hard sided vehicles or bear proof lockers.