Parks Canada has closed several hiking areas and backcountry campsites around Lake Minnewanka following multiple incidents of black bears approaching campsites in search of food. The closures affect the Lake Minnewanka trail, Aylmer Pass Trail, and campgrounds Lm8, Lm9, Lm11, Lm20, Lm22, and Lm31, which are off-limits until further notice.
Bear Activity Prompts Safety Measures
A Banff National Park Facebook post shared on Tuesday stated that black bears in the area are displaying food-seeking behaviour. No entry is permitted, and violators could face fines up to $25,000. The decision comes after a series of incidents over the past two weekends.
Incidents in Early June
In an email, Parks Canada reported multiple bear-related occurrences in early June. On June 6, a black bear damaged and accessed an unoccupied tent at the Lm9 backcountry campsite along Lake Minnewanka. Although other campers were nearby, no one saw or interacted with the bear.
Over the weekend of June 13 and 14, additional similar incidents were reported. On June 13, two tents were found damaged at the same campsite, and a bag containing food was accessed at a neighbouring campsite. Staff closed the campsites and evacuated visitors, relocating them to other campgrounds as space allowed.
On June 14, two unoccupied tents were found damaged at Lm20, with staff confirming bear activity as the likely cause. Fortunately, there have been no aggressive encounters or direct human-wildlife interactions reported, and all tent-related incidents were unwitnessed. However, black bears have been observed in the area.
Bear Safety Recommendations
Parks Canada staff emphasized that bear encounters can occur anywhere in Banff National Park at any time of year. They urged visitors to remain vigilant and follow these safety precautions:
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and must plan accordingly.
- Secure all food and wildlife attractants in wildlife-proof storage lockers or vehicles. Never leave food, garbage, or scented items in your tent. Do not leave attractants unattended in backpacks or tents.
- Keep pets leashed at all times.
- Travel in groups of four or more whenever possible. In the backcountry, consider carrying a satellite communication device.
- Never approach or feed wildlife. Learn more about responsible visitor behaviour on the Parks Canada website.
- Respect all closures and report bear encounters to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.
These measures aim to ensure both human safety and the well-being of the bears, which may become habituated to human food if not properly managed.
