Alberta Parks officials have issued a closure for a popular hiking and backpacking trail in Kananaskis Country after a grizzly bear was spotted denning in the area.
According to the notice, which is dated Friday, December 8, Rawson Lake, Sarrail Ridge, and the surrounding area are all affected. The closure is in effect until further notice.
"Rawson Lake trail and Upper Kananaskis Lake trail remain open. The public must stay on the designated trail," Parks officials stated.
Parks officials underlined that while 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.
According to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), 'Despite popular knowledge, bears are light hibernators.'
"Grizzly bears and black bears in Alberta go into torpor from approximately October to April... Although bears can sleep for most of the winter, they can wake up on a warmer winter day to have a snack or to protect themselves if a threat arises."
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