Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Parks Canada is warning that bears and their cubs have been spotted multiple times near the townsite and along trails over the last few weeks.
The sightings are of both grizzly and black bears, some with cubs.
The bears may be using the townsite area to protect their newborns from older males or looking for food sources, such as elk salves and fresh grass, close to town.
In a May 26 bulletin, Parks Canada noted how grizzly bears will aggressively defend a carcass and their cubs and reminded users that they are responsible for their own safety.
To prevent bears and their cubs from becoming habituated to humans, staff have been actively hazing bears away from town, high-use areas and roadsides.
Hikers and cyclists are advised to carry bear spray and know how to use it, and they should be aware of their surroundings, travel in groups and not use headphones while on the trails.
The public can report any potential safety incidents relating to people or bears to Parks Canada Dispatch at 780-852-6155.
