'Be alert': First bear sighting of 2023 in Banff National Park
Parks Canada says the first bear sighting of the year was recorded last week, a good reminder for visitors to stay safe when exploring Banff National Park.
No details about the bear itself were released, but officials say it was seen on March 23.
As a result of the confirmation of bear activity, staff say visitors and residents should "be alert and show wildlife respect" no matter where they are in the area.
"Wildlife encounters can happen at any time in Banff National Park," Parks Canada said in a release.
Park users are also reminded of the following when they are out exploring the region:
- Make noise to let animals, including bears, know where you are, so you aren't going to surprise them;
- Equip yourself with bear spray, which is useful on animals other than bears, and know how to use it;
- Be mindful of your surroundings for bear activity, including tracks, droppings, torn-up logs and turned-over rocks;
- Travel in groups of four people or more, don't let your children wander and keep your dogs on a leash;
- Remain on official trails and never go out at night; and
- If you encounter a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it to park staff.
Anyone who sees a bear or cougar within Banff National Park is asked to report the sighting to Banff dispatch by calling 403-762-1470.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Auston Matthews returns for Game 7, but Leafs minus injured goaltender Joseph Woll
Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews returned to the lineup for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.