CANMORE – Alberta Parks has expanded a closure area near Canmore for a grizzly sow with cubs after an incident with a hiker.
The closure went into place on Friday morning (Oct. 11) and was for the area between Cougar Creek and the Burnco pit area along the 1A Highway east of Canmore.
According to the closure notice on the government's website, a grizzly bear sow and cubs "made contact" with a hiker, resulting in bear spray being used.
The expanded area reaches west toward Harvie Heights and includes but is not limited to the following trails: Cougar Creek, Grotto Mountain, Horseshoe Loop, Lady MacDonald, Echo Canyon, Montane Traverse, Johnny’s Trail, Meander Trail, Tidbits Quarry, Harvey Heights Ridge Traverse, Mount Charles Stewart and Outlier.
Go to Alberta Parks advisories webpage for up-to-date information on the closure.
Residents and visitors are reminded to be bear safe at all times. That includes being aware of your surroundings, making noise and travelling in groups, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it, and keeping dogs on leash at all times.
Report bear sightings to 403-591-7755.
