‘Food-conditioned’ bear prompts partial closure of Stawamus Chief Park

Stawamus Chief Park is seen in an image from the B.C. Parks website.

Officials are closing parts of a popular outdoor destination near Squamish, B.C., due to the presence of a “food-conditioned” bear.

The District of Squamish said the closure will apply to the North Wall and Grand Wall areas of Stawamus Chief Park, effective Wednesday.

“This closure is intended to give the bear some space and a chance to move on, and to ensure the continued public safety and protection of natural park values,” the district wrote on social media Tuesday.

The Slhanay Trail in North Wall will remain open but officials urged users to be cautious. The Apron Trail will also stay open, but only as a “through trail,” meaning users are not to stop.

Full details on the closure are available on the B.C. Parks website.

All park visitors are required to securely store food and other attractants as well, such as in a car, hard-sided trailer or bear-proof locker.

“Visitors failing to ensure they keep attractants secure may be evicted from the park and issued a violation ticket under the B.C. Wildlife Act,” the district said. “Securely storing attractants is the best way to help keep visitors and bears safe.”

The closures are expected to be lifted on July 16, officials said.