Parks Canada closes section of Yoho National Park because of ‘food seeking’ bear

Aggressive encounters with a black bear in Yoho National Park forced the evacuation of a campground on Monday night.

A bear has forced the closure of a large area in Yoho National Park, says Parks Canada.

The Yoho Lake Campground, Yoho Lake Trail, Iceline Connector Trail and the Yoho Pass Trail from the Burgess highline junction to Yoho Lake are all closed.

There is also a warning in place for several areas of the park, including the Takkakaw Falls Campground and day-use area, Laughing Fall Campground and Twin Falls Campground.

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Officials say the advisories come after two separate incidents involving bears on Monday.

In the first incident, a black bear damaged an unoccupied tent at Takkakaw Falls.

Parks Canada says no attractants were found in the area.

Then, at the Yoho Lake backcountry campground, a bear damaged a tent while some campers were present at the site.

Parks Canada says it’s not clear if both incidents were connected to the same animal, but it’s clear that in both cases, the bear involved was looking for food.

More than a dozen campers were relocated from the Yoho Lake campground to a safer area at Kicking Horse Campground.

“Bear traps have been set, wildlife officers are stationed in the area, and evening patrols are underway. If a Parks Canada staff member gives you directions — for example, to secure food or to give a bear space — please follow them. It is for your safety and the bear’s," Parks Canada said in a statement.

Officials say it is critical that no one feeds wildlife and that all garbage is disposed of properly.

“Your food kills wildlife. Anything that has an odour or could be considered food may attract wildlife to your site.”

In addition to food, Parks Canada says coolers, garbage, toiletries, dishes and pots, pet food and bowls, bottles and cans and any item associated with food preparation should never be left unattended in campsites.

No one was injured in the incidents.

All wildlife incidents should be reported to Parks Canada dispatch by calling 403-762-1470.