Grizzly bear injures hiker on Opal Hills Trail in Jasper National Park
One person sustained minor injuries Thursday after surprising a grizzly bear at close distance. Parks Canada credits bear spray and group travel preparation for preventing a more serious outcome.
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One person was injured Thursday following a grizzly bear attack on Opal Hills Trail in Jasper National Park, marking the first reported bear-human contact in the park since 2014.
The hiker sustained minor injuries after the encounter with a grizzly defending her space and family, according to a Parks Canada social media post. The trail has been closed and will remain so while Parks Canada monitors the area for the family group of bears involved.
Parks Canada credited the hikers' preparation for avoiding a more serious outcome. "A more serious injury was likely avoided because the visitors had educated themselves, had bear spray ready and knew how to use it, and had talked in advance about what they would do," the park said.
In a statement, Parks Canada reminded visitors to follow all posted closures and warnings, carry readily-accessible bear spray and know how to use it, travel in groups whenever possible, and make noise while hiking.
By the numbers
When was the last reported bear-human contact in Jasper National Park before this incident?
2014 was the year of the last reported bear-human contact in Jasper National Park before the grizzly bear attack on Opal Hills Trail on Thursday, July 17, 2026.
What did Parks Canada say helped prevent a worse outcome?
Parks Canada credited the hikers' preparation, including having educated themselves about bears, having bear spray readily available and knowing how to use it, and having discussed their response plan in advance, with likely preventing a more serious injury in the Jasper National Park incident.
