Trail in Jasper National Park temporarily closed after grizzly injures multiple hikers
Opal Hills trail shut down after female grizzly with cubs caused minor injuries; Parks Canada credits bear spray for preventing more serious harm.
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Parks Canada has temporarily closed the Opal Hills trail in Jasper National Park after hikers suffered minor injuries from a close encounter with a female grizzly bear defending her cubs.
The eight-kilometre trek near Maligne Lake is off-limits as Parks Canada assesses the situation. Violating the closure could result in charges up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
Parks Canada said the hikers were able to avoid more serious injury because they had educated themselves about bear safety, carried bear spray, and knew how to use it.
"Here in Jasper you're not always in backcountry, but you're always in bear country," Parks Canada wrote, emphasizing the importance of carrying easily accessible bear spray and knowing how to discharge it when needed.
By the numbers
What trail is closed in Jasper National Park?
The Opal Hills trail in Jasper National Park is temporarily closed after hikers suffered minor injuries from a female grizzly bear defending her cubs.
How long is the Opal Hills trail?
The Opal Hills trail is an eight-kilometre trek near Maligne Lake.
What's the penalty for entering the closed trail?
Violating the closure could result in charges up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
