Fish and Wildlife officers are investigating several incidents after dozens of people entered a Quarry Lake area closed due to bear activity – in some instances with small children and toddlers.
With closure signs in place and a trap readied, about 60 people were photographed ignoring the restricted area warnings for about eight days in late July.
Brendan Cox, a public affairs officer for Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, says charges can vary for entering a closed area after a mandatory appearance before a judge occurs.
“These areas are closed for the safety of people, so if they go in there they’re really contradicting that,” Cox said. “Of course, bears can be dangerous to humans, especially if there is a food source in the area that it might be protective of, or if there are cubs in the area. That could increase the chances of a bear being aggressive as well.”
In a past instance, an individual charged in a similar situation was given a $500 fine. However, the maximum penalty is $50,000 and up to one year in prison for a first offence.
Officers also lure bears to traps with various scents and smells which may be compromised with human interference.
The Quarry Lake closure was put in place after a tourist from Denmark suffered minor injuries after surprising a bear on July 19. Officers immediately quarantined the area and laid traps as a precaution as per protocol.
The bear wasn’t trapped and likely fled the area, said Cox. The area has since been reopened, but bear warning signs remain visible.
In one case, a man was photographed readying his bear spray before entering the closure. While highly effective at warding off bears, it should not be used as an excuse for knowingly entering a closed area, said Cox.
“Even with bear spray, it’s not necessarily a failsafe, so we’re not encouraging anybody to go out seeking bears, especially in an area where we know there are bears and it’s closed for public safety,” said Cox, adding everyone in bear country is encouraged to carry spray.
Anyone with concerns about dangerous wildlife can call 403-591-7755.
