Parks Canada closes area near Tunnel Mountain for carnivore activity

Parks Canada has closed a section of Banff National Park near Tunnel Mountain to give predators, such as cougars and wolves, space to hunt. (Pexels/Nicky Pe)

Animal activity – primarily of the meat-eating variety – has led to an area closure in Banff National Park.

Parks Canada said, starting Jan. 24, an area east of the town of Banff will be closed to the public.

According to its website, the closure includes the area around Tunnel Mountain and east of the peak to the Hoodoo Trailhead.

Officials say the closure is to “secure habitat for carnivores hunting in the area.”

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“Tunnel Mountain and the surrounding areas are important winter hunting habitat for cougars, wolves and coyotes as well as winter range for ungulates,” Parks Canada wrote on its website.

“Giving wildlife the space they need to successfully hunt and consume their kills contributes to healthy carnivore populations and reduces human-wildlife conflict potential.”

Despite the closure, official trails in the area will remain open. These include the Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail, Tunnel Mountain Road, the technical bike trails, Surprise Corner to Hoodoos and the trail parallel to Tunnel Mountain Road.

Parks Canada officials say anyone hiking in Banff National Park should be prepared and take steps to avoid encounters with cougars, wolves and other wildlife.

To do this, it suggests that everyone travel in groups and stay together, travel slowly while cycling or jogging and don’t use ear buds and make noise to alert animals to your presence.

Parks Canada also advises to always keep your dog on a leash, leave the area if you see or smell a dead animal and consider carrying bear spray to protect yourself in case of an encounter.

Officials also say visitors must never approach, entice or attempt to feed a wild animal.

The closure is in effect until March 31.

All carnivore sightings should be reported immediately to Banff National Park dispatch by calling 403-762-1470.