Bear repeatedly rips tents, triggering closures at popular national park
The campsites will be closed until further notice, Parks Canada says.
For the second time in two weeks, campgrounds along Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park have been evacuated due to bears repeatedly ripping tents and, in at least one case, gaining access to food, Rocky Mountain Outlook reports.
On the news-sharing site Reddit, a camper posted that they returned to their campsite after hiking on Saturday and found their tent in “shambles,” despite having no scented items lying out and having stored everything properly in bear boxes.
Photo of a recently-damaged tent at one of the affected campsites as shared on Reddit. (SufficientJunket9943/Reddit)
“Sleeping pad popped, stuff all over, and the tent completely ripped from all stakes with a massive opening in both sides,” the user, whose first name is Tucker, said.
“Originally, we thought it was a deer, but I don’t know any deer with claws. We reported it to the national park and are swabbing our tents to find out which specific bear it was now.
We’re all safe, just shook up!”
Tucker, who goes by the username SufficientJunket9943 on Reddit, said the side of the tent is not supposed to be open.
Another shot of the damaged tent. (SufficientJunket9943/Reddit)
"Those are giant gashes," he said.
Parks Canada has confirmed a series of incidents of a bear damaging tents at the backcountry campgrounds along the lake, and that several hungry black bears have been spotted in the area.
Terry Larsen, a resource conservation officer specializing in human-wildlife coexistence for Banff National Park, told the Rocky Mountain Outlook the campers were “experienced” and did the right thing by leaving the area immediately and informing others that a bear may be present.
Banff National Park annouced the closures on Facebook, alongside a map of the affected areas:
Banff National Park/Facebook
"Please respect closures and give wildlife the space they need," the Facebook post reads.
"You are in bear country."
Outdoor bear safety tips
Alberta Forestry and Parks and Public Safety and Emergency Services recommends the following safety tips for people venturing into bear-inhabited areas:
Travel in groups and stick to official trails.
Make noise regularly to avoid surprising a bear.
Keep dogs leashed at all times.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Secure food, garbage, and other things that may act as attractants in bear-resistant containers.
Avoid areas that suggest recent bear activity, like tracks, scat, or diggings.
Lastly:
Never approach a bear or try to take a selfie with it. Not only could you risk severe injury or worse, but you could also be subjected to hefty fines and jail time.
Extra precautions should be taken near lakeshores, creeks, berry patches, and places with limited visibility.
If you encounter a bear
If you come across a bear, remember to:
Stay calm and do not run.
Back away slowly while speaking in a steady, firm voice.
Parks Canada advises keeping your eyes on the bear but avoiding eye contact.
Use bear spray if the bear comes within range.
RELATED: Bear safety tips
Header image: SufficientJunket9943/Reddit