Anyone planning a weekend visit to Fish Creek Provincial Park is being urged to stay alert after Alberta Parks issued a black bear warning Friday.
The warning took effect Sept. 18 following several reports and sightings of a black bear during daylight and peak-use hours.
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It remains in effect until further notice.
Several popular areas included
The warning applies to Bebo Grove Day Use Area, Shannon Terrace Day Use Area and Votier’s Flats Day Use Area, as well as Fish Creek Provincial Park more broadly.
Alberta Parks lists the notice as a bear warning, not a closure.
The agency cautioned that bears can be encountered at any time and advised visitors to make plenty of noise, travel in groups and remain aware of their surroundings.
Visitors should watch and listen for bears and signs of bear activity.
Pets should be kept on a leash.
Alberta Parks also recommends carrying bear spray, keeping it easily accessible and knowing how to use it.
Food, garbage, pet food and other scented items should be secured inside hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof lockers.
Bear sightings and incidents can be reported to 403-591-7755.
Bear activity also prompted Banff closures this week
The Fish Creek warning follows a separate bear-related closure announced this week in Banff National Park.
Parks Canada closed two trails and six backcountry campgrounds in the Lake Minnewanka area Sept. 16 after black bears displayed food-seeking behaviour there over several months.
The closure includes the Lake Minnewanka Trail, Aylmer Pass Trail and campgrounds Lm8, Lm9, Lm11, Lm20, Lm22 and Lm31.
Unlike the Fish Creek warning, entry is prohibited in the affected Lake Minnewanka areas.
Parks Canada said it has used closures and monitoring in the area to protect visitors and wildlife.
The Lake Minnewanka closure also remains in effect until further notice.
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