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Getting too close to wildlife in Jasper National Park could now land you a date in court.
For the first time ever, a restricted activity order has been issued by superintendent Alan Fehr requiring people to stay in their vehicle when encountering wildlife along highways in Jasper.
The order is a result of an increase in human-wildlife conflicts, said Steve Young, a spokesman for Jasper National Park.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really a safety thing,鈥� said Young. 鈥淎 vehicle is a great protective barrier for you and the wildlife.鈥�
The Notice of Restriction is effective from June 9 until at least July 9. It restricts roadside wildlife viewing and bans people from being 100 metres of any bear, cougar, or wolf and 30 metres of any elk, moose, caribou, sheep, or goat except when completely inside a legally positioned motor vehicle.
Park wardens can issue tickets to people seen breaking the rules.
And as the order has been issued under the National Parks Act, anyone who is charged with a violation will have to go to court.聽
In a media release, Young said this restriction is designed to give bears and other wildlife the space they need.
"If you are involved in a wildlife 鈥渏am鈥�, please listen to the direction of Parks Canada specialists who are managing roadside wildlife," said Young.
"Exiting your vehicle to approach or pursue wildlife is unlawful and unsafe.
"Staying in your vehicle reduces the risk of wildlife attack and habituation, and provides a greater level of safety for everyone."
Grizzly and black bears roam across the more than 11 thousand square kilometres of Jasper National Park.
But at this time of year, especially this year with the spring warm-up a little behind schedule, bears are spending more time in the valley bottoms and close to the Jasper townsite.
Young said bears with cubs increase the risk of dangerous human wildlife interactions as mothers may take aggressive action when they feel their young are threatened.
Bears will also defend their food sources - with a recent incident prompting Parks Canada to issue a bear advisory in and around Jasper recently.
Visitors are reminded that they are responsible for their own safety. Stay in your car. Hikers and cyclists should carry bear spray and . Do not use headphones when travelling on the trails. Stay alert, stay safe.
If you spot a bear, call Jasper National Park dispatch at 780-852-6155.
