Annual mandatory human use restrictions are now in effect in the Lake Minnewanka area to give grizzly bears a secure place to feed on buffalo berries and keep people safe from potentially dangerous encounters.
All hikers must travel in a minimum group size of four and carry bear spray at all times on all trails beyond Stewart Canyon to the east park boundary at Devil’s Gap. Bikes and dogs are not permitted in the restricted area. The LM8 campground is also closed.
The restriction is in place until Sept. 15.
“The reason we put these into place is to try to minimize any potential conflict between bears who are making use of buffalo berries in the area and any visitors in area,” said Mark Benson, acting human-wildlife conflict specialist with Banff National Park.
“This particular area is known to be good for buffalo berries and it’s on the edge of a really important habitat area for grizzly bears in the park. It’s also a very popular recreation area and we want to try to reduce any potential conflict.”
Benson said there was only about 50 per cent compliance rate last year, noting there were higher levels of compliance when the restrictions began several years ago.
“In all years, but this year because of the excellent buffalo berry season we’re seeing so far, it’s really important abide by the restrictions for safety’s sake and to reduce potential conflict,” he said.
