If you’re heading to the mountains this weekend, officials are advising you to be aware of, and to plan for, wildlife. The reminder comes following a recent bear encounter in Waterton Lakes National Park that resulted in a black bear being euthanized. Parks Canada says the bear showed unusual and aggressive behaviour toward humans near the Cameron Lakeshore Trail on May 24. The following day, Parks Canada located the bear and made the decision to euthanize it. Parks Canada says human and wildlife safety is of the utmost importance. Parks Canada encourages visitors to build their knowledge on how to safely enjoy bear country. “It’s very important to be prepared with knowledge on how to respond when you encounter bears and also tools such as bear spray to use in the unlikely situation where you might need to deploy it,” said Kimberly Pearson, Waterton Lakes National Park resource conservation manager. “So, be prepared with information, check in with trail reports—with the visitor centre, we have notices on whether there are any closures or cautions with wildlife.” She says to also keep food and garbage secure and never feed wildlife.
