Two mountain trails are closed in Kananaskis Country after a grizzly sow with cubs bluff charged a person in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park on Aug. 27 after 11 a.m.
Alberta Parks closed the area northeast of Highway 40 to the west side of Mist Creek, including Mount Lipsett and Mist Mountain trails, on Aug. 27 until further notice.
Paul Hamnett, press secretary to Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon, said Monday the closure is for the safety of the public and to help give wildlife space after a close encounter between a person and a group of bears.
“There was one person who was pushed over by a grizzly bear that was observed with cubs,” he said.
“Fortunately, the individual who was pushed over by the bear was uninjured.”
Hamnett said enforcement action will be taken if people don’t abide by the closure.
“There are many other beautiful areas that are open for the public to enjoy in Kananaskis Country,” he said.
“We strongly encourage the public to safely park at designated parking lots and trailheads and not on the side of the road or highway anywhere in Kananaskis Country.”
People can come across bears anywhere in K-Country at any time, Alberta Parks said.
To avoid a surprise bear encounter, the agency advises you to make noise, travel in groups, be aware of surroundings, keep pets on leashes and carry bear spray.
Report bear sightings at 403-591-7755.
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