Local News
Warnings issued for two K-Country trails after close encounters with bears
Alberta Parks has issued two separate bear warnings for popular hiking areas in Kananaskis Country after encounters involving deployed bear spray and a bluff charge. Related Stories: Bear alerts and free park access: Long weekend tips for Airdrie families A warning was issued Saturday for the Galatea Trail following a “close bear encounter with bear spray deployed,” Alberta Parks stated in an Aug. 2 advisory. The affected area includes: Galatea Day Use Galatea Creek Trail Spray Valley Provincial Park A second warning, issued Friday, applies to the Kovach Trail near the Little Kidd Lookout, where “a bear bluff charged hikers, and bear spray was deployed.” That warning applies to: Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area Kovach Trail Kovach Pond Day Use Both warnings are in effect until further notice. “Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time,” Alberta Parks said. Officials advise visitors to: Keep all attractants secure from bears, including food, garbage, recycling, pet food and scented items Travel in groups and make plenty of noise Be aware of surroundings and look for bear signs Keep pets leashed Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it Bear sightings should be reported immediately to 403-591-7755. Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM. DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.