The area along the TransAlta Road west of Highway 40 to Banff National Park has been closed due to bear activity.
Yesterday, two cubs came out of the bush and stumbled across a man and a woman lounging by the Ghost River. Their mother then reacted aggressively in defense of her cubs. The man was able to chase off the bear, and the woman was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries to her arm.
Fish and Wildlife Officers have investigated and concluded that this was a defensive encounter. The sow was reacting naturally to protect her cubs. Due to the nature of the situation, the bears will be left alone and given space to leave the area on their own. Officers will continue to monitor the area, and the closure will be lifted when officers are confident it is safe.
This is an important reminder of how important it is to be BearSmart when in bear country. Visit the BearSmart website for information on how to avoid surprise encounters like this one: http://aep.alberta.ca/…/alber…/bears-outdoor-recreation.aspx.