KANANASKIS – Rummel Lake and King Creek Ridge, two popular hiking spots in Kananaskis Country, are closed following separate incidents of hikers being bluff charged by a grizzly bear.
Both closures, which include the day use areas, began Sunday (July 28) and are in affect until further notice.
The Rummel Lake closure does not affect the nearby and intersecting High Rockies trail.
“Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time,” states both the advisories.
In each case, a grizzly mama was with her cubs and the hikers deployed bear spray.
Outdoor adventures can take the following precautions to avoid surprise encounters with bears.
- 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.
A warning, from July 21, for Ribbon Creek trail in Kananaskis Country is still in affect. The warning was prompted after a black bear with two cubs bluff charged a hiker.
Report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.
On July 26, a closure Grassi Lakes was made to protect a swallow nesting site. The closure affects B60 OFO, also known as Thirty Something, and Born from The Mountains climbing routes.
The North Ridge climbing route on the East End of Rundle was closed on July 18 for a peregrine falcon nesting site. The closure is still in affect.
Warnings and advisories for Alberta Parks can be found at https://albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/advisories-public-safety/.
