Bear spray had to be deployed in two cases to deter a grizzly bear reportedly showing interest in humans, prompting a partial shut down of a national park trail system in the Yukon, according to a Parks Canada spokesperson.
Spokesperson Kathy Burden told the News by email that Parks Canada has temporarily shuttered an area of Kluane National Park and Reserve as a result of a bold young bear approaching visitors and displaying curiosity and a lack of wariness. That includes a part of the Cottonwood Trail between the KingÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s Throne Trail junction up to Lower Victoria Creek at kilometre 67, as well as the woods around the affected trail section.
Over the last week, Parks Canada has received three reports of visitors encountering a bear in this area, Burden said.
The trailhead is located between the campground road and Kathleen Lake. The closure starts a couple of kilometres in, where the path splits at the key junction.
People caught violating the relevant section of the Canada National Parks Act could be fined up to $25,000.
In the statement, Burden said areas can be closed and restricted to protect natural and cultural resources or protect visitors. Conservation staff are continuing to monitor the area for additional bear activity. The closure will be lifted when deemed appropriate, per Burden.
John Haselmeyer, the Yukon field unit superintendent, approved the area closure due to the bear activity in the area.
The partial park closure, which took effect Aug. 11, remains in effect until further notice.
Bears seeking out natural food sources in recent weeks has also previously prompted partial campground and trail closures at Kusawa Lake and Conrad campgrounds as well as the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse.
Parks Canada is recommending people make noise, travel in groups, keep dogs leashed and carry bear spray and be prepared to use it when travelling in bear country.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
