Courtesy: Photograph by Drew Rush, NAT GEO Image Collection
Parks Canada is investigating after two people and their dog were killed in a bear attack at a popular Alberta park over the weekend.
Banff National Park put out a statement reporting two people died on Friday, September 29 from a grizzly bear attack.
Parks Canada Dispatch received an alert at 8 p.m. and the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team was immediately notified.
The team was deployed into the forest by foot at night, and due to poor weather conditions, a helicopter could not be used to assist with search and rescue efforts.
The team eventually found two deceased bodies at the park grounds the next day at 1 a.m. The response team also encountered a bear with aggressive-like behaviour near the bodies which led Parks Canada to euthanize the animal for public safety.
It’s been reported that the pair was indeed a couple who enjoyed the backcountry together. People who knew the couple well have said they were very familiar with the outdoors and bear-sighting protocols.
Bear experts have said the fall season is the time of the year when bears consume as much food and water as possible to prepare themselves for the upcoming winter months as they go into hibernation.
On the Government of Canada website, it lists some safety protocols people can follow if they encounter a bear.
The website also says bears generally avoid people, but the encounter is possible, especially in remote backcountry locations.
Some tips to avoid bear encounters or attacks:
- People are recommended to stay in groups of four or more and never allow children to wander on their own in trails.
- Make loud noise! Banging sounds and yelling can help make yourself appear bigger than the bear.
- Follow marked trails and signs to avoid danger and travel when there’s daylight.
- The use of bear spray can help reduce the chance of danger if encountered by the animal.
Banff National Park has since closed the area until further notice. The public cannot enter The Red Deer and Panther valleys. Trespassers could face a maximum penalty of $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
