Bears targeting Lake Minnewanka campsites trigger closures
Multiple tent break-ins in early June prompt Parks Canada to close Lake Minnewanka trail, campsites, and hiking areas until further notice.
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Parks Canada has closed the Lake Minnewanka trail, Aylmer Pass Trail, and six backcountry campsites after black bears repeatedly accessed tents and food in search of meals, the park announced Tuesday.
Closed sites are Lm8, Lm9, Lm11, Lm20, Lm22, and Lm31. Violators face fines up to $25,000.
"Black bears in the area are displaying food-seeking behaviour," Parks Canada said in a Facebook post. "No entry is permitted."
The closure follows multiple incidents in early June. On June 6, staff confirmed a black bear damaged and entered an unoccupied tent at backcountry campsite Lm9 along Lake Minnewanka. No one was injured or confronted the animal.
Over the weekend of June 13 and 14, Parks Canada received additional reports: two tents were found damaged at Lm9 with a bag of food accessed at a neighbouring site, and two unoccupied tents were damaged at Lm20. Staff evacuated visitors and closed the campsites.
"There have been no aggressive encounters or direct human-wildlife interactions reported, and all tent-related incidents were unwitnessed," Parks Canada said in an email. "However, black bears have been observed in the area."
Staff recommend visitors carry bear spray, secure all food in wildlife-proof storage, never leave items with scent in tents, keep pets leashed, and travel in groups of four or more.