Alberta Parks close down day use areas in Kananaskis Country due to bear activity

This is the first weekend vehicles are allowed back on Hwy 40 in Kananaskis Country.

Mount Lipsett day use area was closed on June 17 due to bear activity.

And we have our first day use area closure at Mount Lipsett day use area in south Kananaskis Country.

Bear activity closes Mount Lipsett day use area in Kananaskis Country on June 17, 2023.

It's worth noting that the closure is for the day use area and not where the trailhead that hikers use to summit Mount Lipsett which is being used on June 17 by a dozen or more people.

Trailhead parking for Mount Lipsett and not to be confused with the day use area futher northbound on Hwy 40.

The trailhead path actually had a serious grizzly bear incident in 2014. It's not known what kind of bear it was that lead to today's closure.

There was a serious grizzly attack in 2014 on the trail to Mount Lipsett. This sign is posted at the trailhead.

There are also a number of other closures due to wildlife.

Alberta Parks has posted the following closures on their website.

Bear Warning - Grassi Lakes Day Use, Trails, & Surrounding Area

Effective Date: June 16th, 2023 until further notice
- Where: Grassi Lakes Day Use Area, trails and surrounding area
- Why: A black bear sow and cubs have been sighted in the area frequently. Bears can become defensive of their young if they feel threatened, so be sure to give plenty of distance if a bear is encountered.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

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Cougar Warning - Porcupine Ridge Trailhead

Effective Date: June 16, 2023, until further notice
- Where: Porcupine Ridge Trailhead, adjacent to Wasootch Ridge Trail.
- Why: Deer carcasses bearing signs of recent cougar predation have been observed. Cougars will cover carcasses with debris (soil, twigs, etc.) and may return to feed over a period of several days. Cougars can be defensive around their food sources so it is important not to approach or linger near a recently killed or partially covered deer.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, cougars can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region and at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a cougar:

Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for cougars and their signs.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Learn more about cougar safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

Please report all cougar sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

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Beauvais Lake Provincial Park

Bear Closure - Bear Closure

Effective: June 16, 2023, until further notice
Beaver Creek Day Use Area and portions of the Piney Point and South Shore hiking trails are temporarily closed due to increased bear activity in the area.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the South Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:
Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
Keep your pet on a leash.
Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
Learn more about bear safety review the Bear Smart Brochure.