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A woman enjoying a morning stroll with her dog in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, found herself in a terrifying face-off with a grizzly bear on June 24. The incident, captured on video by Jelmer de Blois, a guide with Wilderness Escape Adventures, has sparked significant concern about bear activity in the region, leading to new warnings from Alberta Parks.
A Morning Walk Turns Dangerous
The encounter unfolded as the woman was walking along a gravel highway, coffee in hand and her dog leashed nearby. Without warning, a grizzly bear emerged from the woods, approaching them at an alarming pace. De Blois recorded the encounter, which showed the bear drawing dangerously close, prompting the woman to shout various commands in an effort to deter the animal.
“Stop, enough, no, hey, stop it, go away, bad,” she yelled, desperately trying to assert her presence as the bear circled them multiple times. At one point, the bear even reared up on its hind legs, intensifying the already tense situation. Fortunately, the bear eventually retreated into the forest, allowing the woman to escape unscathed.
Official Response and Bear Warnings Issued
In response to the alarming incident, Alberta Forestry and Parks released a statement confirming the occurrence and indicating that the Mount Engadine Lodge area is now under bear warning. This advisory comes as part of an increased awareness campaign, highlighting the potential dangers posed by wildlife encounters in Kananaskis Country and the adjacent Banff National Park.
The warning explicitly noted that “a grizzly bear exhibited persistent, dog-focused behaviour during an encounter with a hiker and their leashed dog,” coming alarmingly close—within roughly one metre. Such warnings serve to remind outdoor enthusiasts of the need for caution and preparedness when venturing into bear habitats.
Recent Bear Activity Raises Alarm
This incident is not isolated. In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable uptick in bear sightings and encounters in the Kananaskis region. Just days before the woman’s encounter, a camper was forced to deploy bear spray against a grizzly that had invaded their tent, leading Alberta Parks to implement restrictions on tent camping in certain areas, allowing only hard-sided campers.
Moreover, in Banff National Park, staff were compelled to close off a popular hiking area after a black bear damaged an unoccupied tent in a backcountry site. The affected campsite had seen multiple bear encounters, prompting immediate evacuations and closures to safeguard the public.
Preparing for Encounters: Safety First
As bear activity rises, it is crucial for outdoor adventurers to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle wildlife encounters. Experts recommend carrying bear spray, making noise while hiking to alert bears of human presence, and keeping pets leashed and close at hand.
Education on bear behaviour can also play a vital role in mitigating risks. Understanding how to react during an encounter could mean the difference between a close call and a tragic incident.
Why it Matters
The growing frequency of bear encounters in Alberta’s popular outdoor spaces underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness. As more individuals seek solace in nature, ensuring their safety while respecting wildlife habitats becomes paramount. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the wildness that still exists in our beautiful landscapes and the importance of cohabitating responsibly with the creatures that call these areas home.
