Grizzly encounters near Canmore spark multiple trail closures and warnings across Kananaskis as officials urge hikers to stay alert and follow bear safety rules.
Multiple Trails Closed Amid Escalating Grizzly Encounters
Alberta Parks has issued seven active bear advisories—five warnings and two closures—across Kananaskis Country following a series of tense grizzly bear encounters, including bluff charges near popular hiking trails. The advisories impact areas surrounding Canmore and major trails such as Rawson Lake and Bill Milne, and come amid heightened bear activity during berry season.
Recent Charges Trigger Urgent Safety Measures
The latest incidents involve two separate bluff charges by grizzly bears, one with cubs, which prompted Alberta Parks to issue a closure of the Rawson Lake trail and Sarrail Ridge area on July 11. A warning was also issued for the Bill Milne trail from Wedge Pond to Mount Allan Drive effective July 8. Both trails are frequented by hikers during the summer months.
Hikers Share Harrowing Experiences
Laurie Brewster, who was hiking Rawson Lake with her daughter on July 11, described seeing a mother grizzly charge a group of hikers. “It gets your heart pounding,” she said, noting how fast the bear moved even in a seemingly open, exposed area. Brewster reported the incident to Alberta Parks to aid in their decision to close the trail.
Expert Insight into Bear Behaviour
Bluff charging, a behavior where a bear runs toward a perceived threat without making contact, typically signals that the animal feels cornered or threatened. Bear safety expert Kim Titchener explained that lack of noise from hikers can startle bears. “If they have cubs, the response is often more aggressive—even if it’s just a warning,” she said.
Increasing Bear Presence Near Human Activity
According to Alberta Parks and the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, multiple recent incidents between July 11 and 16 have included grizzlies with cubs charging hikers or approaching trail users near Sarrail Ridge, the University of Calgary Research Station, and Smutwood Trail. Commonwealth Valley was closed on July 15 due to several grizzlies feeding in the area.
Black Bear Warnings Also in Effect
In addition to grizzly advisories, warnings for black bears have been issued for Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, Grassi Lakes, and the Reclaimer Trail. A black bear damaged a tent containing food at Boulton Creek Campground on June 18, prompting a warning for all Peter Lougheed Provincial Park campgrounds.
Officials Stress Prevention and Coexistence
Neil Singh, press secretary for the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, said the Kananaskis bear aversive conditioning program, active since 2000, remains vital to reducing bear-human conflict. Titchener emphasized that hikers and campers must secure food and stay vigilant: “Bears are searching for berries, and any access to human food can condition them dangerously.”
Alberta Parks has not confirmed if any injuries occurred in the recent encounters but said advisories will remain until the bears have safely left the affected areas.
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