A hiker narrowly escaped an encounter with a charging grizzly bear close to Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, prompting a bear warning for the area. The incident occurred on Monday, bringing about a precautionary bear warning that extends to various popular hiking trails like Stoney Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, and Hay Meadow Trail within Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park and Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area near Kananaskis Village.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of being prepared when venturing into wildlife-populated regions. John Clarke, a former conservation officer in Kananaskis Country, stressed the necessity of carrying bear spray and knowing how to handle wildlife encounters effectively. Clarke highlighted the typical bear responses, including running away, staying put, climbing a tree, or following individuals, advising vigilance if a bear starts following someone.
As bears emerge from hibernation in late April, they are actively seeking food to replenish their energy reserves. In well-visited areas like K-Country, Banff, and Jasper, bears are more accustomed to human presence due to frequent encounters, which can exceed hundreds of people on weekends compared to less frequented wilderness areas.
The bear warning recommends precautionary measures such as making noise while hiking, traveling in groups, keeping pets on leashes, carrying bear spray, and storing food securely in bear-proof containers. Any wildlife sightings or incidents should be promptly reported to 403-591-7755.
Efforts to reach the Ministry of Forestry and Parks for comments on the situation were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Last summer, a comprehensive bear warning was issued across all of Kananaskis Country, marking the first area-wide warning since 2016.
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