Bear attack prompts closure of Waterton Park areas

By Lethbridge Herald on June 13, 2024.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada Several areas of Waterton Lakes National Park have been closed after a bear attack this week.

Delon Shurtz
LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Canada Parks officials continue to search for a bear that attacked two people in Waterton Lakes National Park on Tuesday.

Matthew Nodge, communications officer with the Waterton Lakes field unit, said Thursday the search continues, and authorities are unable to determine the species or sex of the bear that attacked the two hikers as they were scrambling up Ruby Ridge from Crandell Lake.

Grizzly bears and black bears live in the park, although black bears are more common and can often be seen along the roads and  trails throughout the park.

The hikers were injured in the attack, but they managed to shoot the bear with bear spray and then flee from the area. After hiking out they were taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

Nodge didn’t have an update on the hikers Thursday, but said they were in stable condition.

The following areas have been closed while authorities search for the bear:

– Mount Crandell including Crandell Lake Trail, Crandell Lake Campground, Crandell Loop from the Townsite to the Crandell Lake Trailhead, Crandell Mountain Campground, and Canyon Church Camp.

– Ruby Ridge to the north slopes of Mount Blakiston including Ruby Falls and Ruby Lake.

– Lineham Trail including Lineham Cliffs and the south slopes of Mount Blakiston.

Park visitors who violate the closure order can be charged under the Canada National Parks Act with a maximum fine of $25,000.