'Close encounter with bear' near Canmore

Alberta Parks officials have issued a closure of Legacy Trail at the Canmore Nordic Centre due to bear activity adjacent to the trail, on the Town of Canmore Land.

The closure, which is in effect until further notice occurred after officials said there was a 'close encounter between a bear and a member of the public, resulting in bear spray being deployed.' The area closure encompasses Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, as well as the Legacy Trail. 

There were no details on the type of bear that had been encountered, nor were there details on whether the person(s) sustained any injuries during the encounter.

Previously, in late June, Alberta Parks issued a bear warning for the area. That advisory is also in effect until further notice.

In recent weeks, there have been several human-bear encounters in both provincial and national parks. Most recently, National Parks officials issued a bear warning for the Town of Banff and surrounding areas.

"Special caution is recommended when travelling in this area due to the following bear-related situation."

According to the warning, officials have said that multiple black and grizzly bears are frequenting the area.

Officials are reminding those travelling in the area that one should be prepared to encounter a bear at any time in and around this area.

The increase in bear encounters comes after an older female grizzly bear killed a couple in Banff National Park in late September. The area where the couple was killed, the Red Deer and Panther valleys continue to be closed.