Injured grizzly forces K-Country trail closures

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An injured grizzly bear has forced the closure of Rawson Lake Trail and Sarrail Ridge Route in Kananaskis Country until further notice.

Alberta Parks spokesperson Bridget Burgess-Ferrari said the agency received multiple reports of the injured bear Aug. 3. Conservation officers and bear technicians responded to the situation and enacted a closure.

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Burgess-Ferrari said details on the file are limited.

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“The grizzly bear was described as being unable to bear weight on one of its front legs,” she said. “What I can say is that the closure is in place to protect both visitors to the area and the injured bear.”

The extent of the bear’s injury or how it was injured is not yet known to Alberta Parks. As information on its condition is limited, there is a chance the bear could become agitated depending on the extent of its injuries, said Burgess-Ferrari.

“If visitors get too close to the bear, it may become stressed and react aggressively. At the same time, if the injury is more serious, it is important to give the bear space so that staff can evaluate the situation and determine if additional actions are required,” she said.

Rawson Lake Trail and Sarrail Ridge Route — both located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park — were previously closed at the end of June after two grizzly bear encounters in the area.

Bears can be encountered anywhere in Kananaskis Country. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear, Alberta Parks recommends making plenty of noise on trails, travelling in groups, being aware of surroundings, keeping pets on leash, and carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it.

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All bear sightings must be reported to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755.

Two trails in the Upper Bryant Creek Valley area of Banff National Park were also closed this week to prevent potential encounters with foraging grizzlies. The Og Pass trail and Upper Assiniboine Pass trails are now closed through September.

Elsewhere, restrictions are in place for Allenby Pass Trail in Banff National Park through September due to bear activity, with hikers required to carry bear spray at all times and travel in groups of four or more people.

A bear warning was also issued for Spray Lakes West Campground on Friday after a black bear was seen frequenting the area.

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The position covers Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.